Computing

General Statement

The Blue School is dedicated to providing a computing curriculum that enables pupils to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and adapt to the world around them. Computing at The Blue School does this by creating deep links with mathematics, science, and design technology to provide insights into both natural and artificial systems.

Children will gain key knowledge and skills in the three main areas of the computing curriculum: computer science (programming and understanding how digital systems work), information technology (using computer systems to store, retrieve and send information) and digital literacy (evaluating digital content and using technology safely and respectfully).

Our children are growing up in a highly-advanced technological world. It is a necessity that they develop in all three areas of computing to give them the best chance in later life. The computing curriculum is adapted to the needs of all children. This allows all children to develop and make progress.

This page provides prospective parents and visitors with a glimpse into our curriculum. Parents of Blue School pupils are provided with detailed guides to subject planning in the form of ‘Knowledge Organisers’ in Parent Zone.

Computing Sequence

EYFS

In the Early Years, through the unit ‘Understanding the World’, children will learn to recognise that a range of technology is used in places such as homes and schools. They will be able to select and use technology for a particular purpose.

Key Stage 1

By the end of Key Stage 1, the children will be introduced to a variety of media including cameras, programmable toys, recording devices, laptops/computer desktops and sound devices. The children will have learned what algorithms are; how they are implemented as programs on digital devices; and that programs execute by following precise and unambiguous instructions. They will be shown how to use a range of technology purposefully to create, organise, store, manipulate and retrieve digital content as well as recognise common uses of information technology beyond school. Online Safety will be paramount in this phase of their schooling and they will be taught to 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.

Lower Key Stage 2

By the end of Lower Key Stage 2, children will have had the opportunity to explore deeper computational thinking through creating animations and educational games using coding software such as Scratch and micro:bit. They will learn how to debug programs and ensure they accomplish specific goals. Children will be taught to understand computer networks, including the internet, and the opportunities they offer for communication and collaboration. Children will become bloggers, presenters and meteorologists creating videos with a green screen background. They will use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly; recognise acceptable/unacceptable behaviour; identify a range of ways to report concerns about content and contact.

Upper Key Stage 2

By the end of Upper Key Stage 2, the children will be confident in aspects taught in previous phases and will extend their computational thinking and digital literacy skills by exploring codes through cryptography units and exploring algorithms in coding. They will have opportunities to create a website and an adventure game using multimedia. Children extend their understanding into the realms of artificial and virtual technologies by learning about virtual reality and artificial intelligence. They will make a short TV advertisement and a yearbook outlining their time at The Blue School.