Computing
INTENT
At Mount Pleasant Lane Primary School (MPL), we understand the importance of a robust computing education in a digital age. Computing skills are becoming increasing prevalent and we aim to give pupils the tools they need to be the best they can be going forwards.
Digital Literacy
Our curriculum will teach children to critically appraise the information they see online. To identify benefits and risks and make informed decisions about trusting sources and using computers safely.
Information Technology
We aim to educate about the uses of technology around the world. They will gain an appreciation for the importance of technology in workplaces and everyday lives. We will explore how the internet, computer, servers and digital communication works and will build a bank of resources to refer to when learning in the future.
Computer Science
Children will be given the skills to be creative when designing, testing and editing programs they have created. They will gain an idea of using instructional language and commands in programming to achieve specified results and how these relate to real-world applications in contexts they have experienced.
IMPLEMENTATION
Each half-term will follow the same structure:
Engage | Children will explore an interesting application of the skill they will learn. The application will give the children a real-life context and purpose of the skill, opening discussion about other possible applications and supporting creativity. |
Learn | Using Purple Mash, children will learn the key skills in a controlled environment by using the purpose-made tools in Purple Mash’s 2-Simple range. Each lesson will follow this structure: Contextualise – Another real-life example of the skill being taught in that specific lesson. Introduce – The teacher, being the expert, will demonstrate applying the skill. |
| Tinker – Children will get experimental time with a new piece of software or application. Teach – The teacher will lead the pupils through the steps and resources required for the lesson. Practise and Apply – Children will complete given tasks with support as necessary. |
Express | Children will demonstrate their understanding with a task linked to the engage that the teacher can assess. |
IMPACT
By the time pupils leave us in year 6, we aim for them to have a developing understanding of the role of technology in industry and the wider world and to have a practical understanding of the uses of technology and programming.
Phase | Digital Literacy | Information Technology | Computer Science |
Key Stage 1 | To identify uses of technology in our everyday lives. Identify the risks of using the internet and know steps to take if they feel unsafe. | To build the skills required to access computing (using a mouse/keyboard, logging on etc.). To create, organise, store and manage digital content. | To understand basic instructional language. To develop a sense of logic reasoning. To create and debug simple programs. |
Year 3 and Year 4 | To explain how to use computers and the internet safely. To identify verified sources of information. To be able to find information quickly and easily online. | To develop an understanding of how computers and the internet work. To store and compare data. To create ways of sharing data. | To use instructional sequencing and selection in programs to develop complexity. To identify programming features and purpose. To identify errors and be able to debug programs. |
Year 5 and Year 6 | To have a secure understanding of online safety and be able to express the risks involved in using computers. To be able to share advice on steps to take should a situation be unsafe. To fluently navigate the | To expand platforms whereby information is stored managed and shared. To create systems for comparing and presenting data. To explain the function | To create increasingly complex programs including animations with sound and movement. To repeat functions to increase program efficiency. To explore and develop a basic understanding of |
| internet and explain the validity of information found and sources used. | of technological parts and why they are important. | programming languages and identify key features. |
Other resources
Programming | Scratch, logo, codecademy, python |
Data Collection | Mentimeter, google forms, excel |
Creating Content | Microsoft Office, Ipad, Imovie, Green screen, |