Computing
Computing at Woodnook
Computing at Woodnook School provides essential, up to date skills to navigate the world of Information Technology, Digital Literacy and Computer Science. Online Safety underpins all of our teaching and learning.
In EYFS, Computing supports learning and is explored by children through the world that we live in. In Years 1-6, we follow the National Curriculum for Computing and we aim for all children to meet the standards as out-lined for each stage below.
By the end of EYFS children should:
- recognise that technology exists in the world around us and understand how to use it in everyday life.
By the end of KS1 children should:
- understand what algorithms are; how they are implemented as programs on digital devices; and that programs execute by following precise and unambiguous instructions
- create and debug simple programs
- use logical reasoning to predict the behaviour of simple programs
- use technology purposefully to create, organise, store, manipulate and retrieve digital content
- recognise common uses of information technology beyond school
- use technology safely and respectfully, keeping personal information private; identify where to go for help and support when they have concerns about content or contact on the internet or other online technologies.
By the end of KS2 children should:
- design, write and debug programs that accomplish specific goals, including controlling or simulating physical systems; solve problems by decomposing them into smaller parts
- use sequence, selection, and repetition in programs; work with variables and various forms of input and output
- use logical reasoning to explain how some simple algorithms work and to detect and correct errors in algorithms and programs
- understand computer networks including the internet; how they can provide multiple services, such as the world wide web; and the opportunities they offer for communication and collaboration
- use search technologies effectively, appreciate how results are selected and ranked, and be discerning in evaluating digital content
- select, use and combine a variety of software (including internet services) on a range of digital devices to design and create a range of programs, systems and content that accomplish given goals, including collecting, analysing, evaluating and presenting data and information
- use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly; recognise acceptable/unacceptable behaviour; identify a range of ways to report concerns about content and contact.
Alongside the statutory frameworks, we use our yearly overview, medium term plans and Lancashire KLIPs grids to provide a clear sequence of learning, so that the children continuously build on prior knowledge and skills. Class curriculum maps demonstrate the progression of skills across classes and the school and aim to challenge children. This also allows the children to regularly revisit a variety of concepts. Teaching sequences are tailored to ensure skills from across the curriculum are applied. We use the Lancashire KLIPs grids to support planning and assessment.
In EYFS, children explore technology within the setting using a wide range of devices in preparation for the transition to Key Stage 1. In Years 1-6, Computing is a subject that not only stands alone but is also woven into the broader curriculum and is an integral part of all learning. Discrete lessons take place weekly and children also have access to a wide range of technological devices during other lessons. This ensures that children can use devices for a range of purposes and that skills are applied and embedded across the wider curriculum. They will be equipped, not only with the skills and knowledge to use technology effectively and for their own benefit, but crucially – safely. Online safety is taught to all children as part of the Computing curriculum and also across the curriculum as children increasingly use this technology in and out of school. Teacher’s follow the school’s Computing policy to ensure consistency throughout the school.
We recognise that all children in all year groups have differing abilities and therefore tailor our approach to the individual where necessary, matching activities to specific ability groups and using open investigations. This allows for a variety of responses and differentiated outcomes, to ensure that each child has the opportunity to optimise their full potential. Technology is used to allow children with specific SEN and EAL requirements to be able to access the curriculum in all areas and aid them in their daily school life.
Computational vocabulary is at the heart of Computing at Woodnook. It will be taught, discussed, displayed, rehearsed throughout each unit within class so that it can be used by children independently and with understanding at an age appropriate level. Open-ended questioning is used effectively to enhance learning.