Computing

EYFS

In EYFS, children will learn about computing technologies and devices in the real world by participating in activities that promote interactions to extend existing knowledge. Children will experience specific vocabulary and the repeated use of key words in everyday contexts such as: directional language, sequencing words, imperative - bossy words, algorithms and problem solving.

Computing competencies including computational thinking, understanding patterns and logical reasoning is taught to prepare the children for their next steps of learning in Year 1.

KS1 and KS2

A high-quality computing education equips pupils to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world. Computing has deep links with mathematics, science, and design and technology, and provides insights into both natural and artificial systems. The core of computing is computer science, in which pupils are taught the principles of information and computation, how digital systems work, and how to put this knowledge to use through programming. Building on this knowledge and understanding, pupils are equipped to use information technology to create programs, systems and a range of content. Computing also ensures that pupils become digitally literate – able to use, and express themselves and develop their ideas through, information and communication technology – at a level suitable for the future workplace and as active participants in a digital world.

Aims

The national curriculum for computing aims to ensure that all pupils:
 -   can understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation
 -   can analyse problems in computational terms, and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems
 -   can evaluate and apply information technology, including new or unfamiliar technologies, analytically to solve problems
 -   are responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology.

Curriculum Summary

In the Early Years starting from our 2 year old provision through to reception, staff make use of the non-statutory guidance Birth to Five matters whilst ensuring the statutory framework for the EYFS is met. Reception children are assessed against the appropriate early learning goals for understanding the world: technology to contribute to them reaching a good level of development. Reception children also make use of Barefoot Computing to support learning and so that children are introduced and prepared for the knowledge, vocabulary and different models they will encounter in Y1 – this supports their transition into the NC2014 KS1 computing curriculum.

Y1 – 6 make use of the Teach Computing Curriculum content as a basis for teaching and as a main resource, as it carefully sequences knowledge, concepts and procedures to build computational knowledge and skills systematically and, over time, the curriculum draws connections across different ways of looking at computational ideas. As children's skills in computing emerge and are embedded they will apply these across other curriculum areas.

 Progression in Computing

Download Document

Long Term Overview

Download Document

Computing Quality Framework

Rift House Primary School has made a commitment to engage with the NCCE Computing Quality Framework as a means of reviewing practice and implementing actions that will improve the school's computing curriculum.

Download Document

After School Clubs

 As part of enrichment, we offer an after school club each half term to allow children to practice and enhance their computing skills.

Computing at Home

Barefoot (EYFS, KS1 and KS2)

https://www.barefootcomputing.org/homelearning

Downloadable activities and games for children, links to live lessons and a guide for parents - includes cross-curricular lesson plans and resources that unpack computational thinking in a range of subjects.

Code Club (KS2)

https://projects.raspberrypi.org/en/codeclub

Projects and activities for home learning and a parent guide.

UK Safer Internet Centre (EYFS, KS1 and KS2)

https://www.saferinternet.org.uk/advice-centre/young-people/resources-3-11s

Online safety resources aimed at 3 -11 year olds. 

STEM Learning e-Library (KS1 and KS2)

https://www.stem.org.uk/primary-computing-resources

An online resource bank, which links to resources on external websites. The site features a live chat function offering support from subject experts. New home learning resources are being developed.

Raspberry Pi Foundation – Digital Making at Home (KS2)

https://www.raspberrypi.org/at-home/

Join the weekly code-along using open projects based on a weekly theme, with different levels available for all abilities, allowing you to be open-ended with opportunities for making and creativity.

Computing at School - Home Learning (KS1 and KS2)

https://www.computingatschool.org.uk/homelearning

Information and links to a range of at home computing activities.

Thinkfun – All ages

http://info.thinkfun.com/stem-education/6-unplugged-coding-activities-for-hour-of-code

Unplugged activities for children to learn the basics about algorithms without a computer.

Things to do

Computing (coding) is important for children as it will help improve their mathematics and writing skills, it will give them valuable life skills, which will be used eventually in the workplace.  Develop your child’s skill by start learning the basics of coding; you do not even need a computer! Problem solving, thinking creatively, and it helps them to develop resilience.

What have we been up to...

Year One Can Use Paint

Year One have used a painting app on the iPad to create their illustrations of 'Burglar Bill'.