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Computing

Computing throughout the school follows the requirements of the National Curriculum 2014. Scroll to the bottom of this page for some pictures from our Computing topics! For more information about our curriculum, you can speak to your child's teacher, a senior leader, or our curriculum leader (Mrs Becky Hibbitt).

Computing is taught as a discrete lesson in its own right, and is integrated into other curriculum areas when it will improve or enhance them. We teach:

Computer science - understanding networks and the Internet, the basic components of computers, how computers interact with and control the world around them.
Digital literacy - using industry-standard programs such as Microsoft Office to research, produce and present information; becoming familiar with concepts such as databases, sound-production and imaging programs.
Programming - being creators of technology, rather than just consumers.
e-safety - staying safe in the digital world. Click here to view our e-safety policy.

Topics

Our Computing provision is split into topics. Where possible/appropriate, teachers integrate the current humanities topic into these lessons (e.g. Egyptians).

Computing topics are highly cross-curricular. Skills learned in Computing lessons are developed and used in other areas of the curriculum.

Year 3	Using Windows: an introduction to an Operating System covering files, folders and network storage. Networks and the Internet: children will learn about the advantages of networks, the need for network security, and basic use of the Internet as a search tool. Issues regarding 'e-safety' are heavily featured. Databases: using and creating branching databases to answer questions. Programming and Control: basic use of Scratch to create simple programs and simulations. Images: creating simple images using a graphics package. Tools taught are transferable and common to all graphics packages, e.g. a magnifier. Microsoft PowerPoint: creating simple presentations for others to view. Microsoft Word: use of a word processor to manipulate and present information.
Year 4	Using Windows: a more in-depth look at an Operating System, covering organisation of files/folders on a local and network drive, managing files on digital devices, access control and issues regarding file size. Images: understanding issues of file size; using a scanner and digital camera. Databases: a real-world look at larger stores of information. Children learn about fields, records, queries on sets of data, choice of most-appropriate data types, and effective ways to present information collated using a database. Networks and the Internet: teaches a greater understanding of the services provided by computer networks, including browsing the web and efficient use of a search engine. Issues regarding 'e-safety' are heavily featured. Sound Waves: producing, editing and manipulating sound and music. Microsoft Word: a look at more advanced features of a word-processing package. Programming and Control: includes iteration, variables and operators.
Year 5	Microsoft Publisher: a short unit which teachers 'desktop publishing' as an alternative to Word for the production of booklets, newspapers and similar printed materials. Images: includes 'layering' of graphics and green-screen masking to create composite images. Microsoft Excel: building spreadsheets which solve particular problems or automate tasks. Programming and Control: links with Design Technology 'Fairground Rides' topic - children program and control the motors, lights and soundtrack on their ride. They also write their own real-world, coin-operated arcade game. Microsoft Access: using an industry-standard package to apply a front-end user interface to a back-end database. Children learn how to search their database and produce basic reports. Microsoft PowerPoint: creating interactive or 'kiosk' presentations for others to use. Making Movies: includes production, planning, filming and green-screen 'chroma key' special effects.
Year 6	More information will follow on these topics, which are currently in development. Networks and the Internet 3D Imaging Blogging and Wikis Programming and Control Microsoft Excel Making Websites Microsoft Access

As the more-advanced topics above become embedded, and children gain more knowledge and experience in using these technologies as they move through the school, this curriculum will evolve to push their skills and understanding further.

Next steps involve teaching older children to use a typed programming language in addition to Scratch's 'blocks' approach. Our children's programs will incorporate 3D models (designed in an application such as SketchUp) in their own games and simulations. For pupils who are talented in this area, we also aim to offer the possibility of creating networked/multiplayer games.

These are truly exciting times for Computing!

INSERT COIN!

Y5s write their own coin-operated arcade games to raise money for our May Fair.

Computing

Topics

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