Computing Curriculum News
Making music in Year 2
Coding using Python in pieces in Y6
Year 4 Computing – programming a Micro:bit
Internet Safety in Year 2
Making Music Year 1
Exploring Interactive Resources in Reception
Online Safety
At Dunston Hill Community Primary School, we recognise the importance of preparing children to navigate the digital world safely, responsibly and confidently. As technology plays an increasingly significant role in everyday life, we are committed to ensuring that all children develop the knowledge and skills needed to use the internet and digital technologies appropriately, effectively and safely.
Through our Online Safety curriculum, children learn how to protect themselves online, manage potential risks and make informed decisions when using technology. They are taught how to communicate respectfully and responsibly through digital platforms, both online and offline, and understand the importance of maintaining positive digital relationships.
Online Safety is a fundamental aspect of our Computing curriculum and is taught explicitly each half-term, while also being woven throughout the wider curriculum. This ensures that children continually revisit and build upon key concepts, enabling them to become safe, responsible and informed digital citizens both now and in the future.
Intent
Technology is changing the lives of everyone. It is therefore our intention at Dunston Hill, to spark excitement in our children as they find, explore, analyse, exchange and present information. We also focus on developing resilience and the life skills necessary for children to be able to use information in a discriminating and effective way be it persevering, problem solving or taking risks. The teaching of Computing must be inspirational with regard to ensuring our children are motivated to enjoy and use technology safely. As independent learners, our children need the knowledge and skills to not only live and work in our ever-changing world, they must also be encouraged and supported to realise their potential and strive for excellence.
Implementation
Teaching of Computing in our Early Years provides the children with the opportunity to become familiar with a variety of technology resources which they can explore through play. These could be real or no longer in use devices which will support their understanding of technology in the world. Experiences may include exploring simple programmable devices and linking these to those in use at home or in school such as touchscreens, interactive whiteboards, touchpads and tablets. Children may become familiar with simple software as well as develop safe and careful use of resources and know what to do when any technology makes them feel uncomfortable.
In Key Stage 1, our teaching of Computing includes: three strands of Computer Science which involves Programming and Coding. In addition to this, there is one strand regarding Information Technology and how we use technology followed by a final strand referred to as Digital Literacy which encourages the children to consider the use of technology in the real world as well as how to use it safely.
In Key Stage 2, our teaching of Computing includes five strands of Computer Science which involves two strands of Programming and Coding. In addition to this, there are two strands regarding Information Technology and how we use these effectively followed by a final strand referred to as Digital Literacy which encourages children to use digital technology as well as evaluate it and use it safely.
Retrieval Practice is an essential strategy which brings information to the mind of our children and enhances as well as boosts learning. Deliberately recalling information, provides the opportunity for our children to access their knowledge and examine what they know. At Dunston Hill, we reinforce previous learning at the beginning of every Computing lesson. This may be revisiting familiar vocabulary linked to units of study or children explaining how they completed a given task or challenge. Any of the following activities may be shared as part of our retrieval practice routines: quizzes, mind maps, challenge grids, speaking like an expert, bingo games and teach it to someone else.
At Dunston Hill, our children can use our Computing Suite which is fully equipped with an Interactive Whiteboard as well as 30 Desktop Computers. In addition to this, we also have 90 iPads which support cross-curricular learning. The use of the Computing Suite and iPads is timetabled throughout school to ensure these valuable resources are used effectively to support teaching and learning.
Impact
Computing capability is an essential skill for life and enables learners to participate more readily in a rapidly changing world. The teaching of Computing at Dunston Hill, aims to encourage our children to use ICT and computing to be creative and solve problems that are grounded in their own experiences. Developing computational thinking in learners can be done from an early age and will help them make sense of and contribute to the society they will live in as adults.
The teaching of Computing is evidenced through a range of sources such as: class and whole school displays; photographs; work saved on our school network or in our Purple Mash folders, floor books in each year and discussions with children as well as staff.