Our Computing Curriculum
Our Curriculum Intent
At Grappenhall Heys, our children are knowledgeable, creative and independent learners and we ensure that they develop a healthy relationship with technology. At our school, we value and recognise the contribution that technology can make for the benefit of all pupils, staff, parents, governors and society. We provide safe opportunities in computing to motivate, inspire and raise standards across the curriculum. Everyone in our school community is equipped with the digital skills required to meet developing technology with confidence and enthusiasm and to prepare our children for their future.
We want our children to be creators and innovators not just mere consumers of digital content. The idea of the children as digital creators, as they embrace a changing world, is what underpins our planning and computing units. Our children are taught to understand that technology is an integral part of modern life and the key to the future is to harness and understand technology’s potential. Computing is a constantly evolving subject that involves solving complex problems, being able to collaborate and communicate with others and to learn from mistakes and refine solutions.
Our computing curriculum is designed to be easy to follow, with carefully planned, logical, sequenced steps that equip all children with the essential skills and knowledge they need to use technology safely and creatively. It has numerous cross-circular links and, when planning, we ensure that children can build on their understanding, consolidating and reapplying their prior knowledge. Each computing unit is planned to provide new challenges and variety, embracing children's own interests. There is a strong emphasis on improving computing / digital vocabulary, core fundamental digital skills and computational concepts. Our children are independent learners who love risk taking and 'tinkering' as they explore digital technologies.
Here at Grappenhall Heys we believe digital safety is paramount. We promote and model a balanced digital life, recognising that amongst the many positives that technology has to offer, risks exist, and children need to be taught to manage their digital lives properly. We model and educate our children to use technology creatively, positively, responsibly and safely. Our curriculum supports the key aims of the government’s Internet Safety Strategy (Digital Literacy / UK Council for Child Internet Safety (UKCCIS) framework) of supporting children to stay safe and make a positive contribution online, as well enabling teachers to develop effective strategies for understanding and handling online risks.
The Purpose Of Our Curriculum
We develop children who …
1.understand of the world through the fundamental principles of computer science, digital literacy and information technology;
2.can analyse and problem solve through repeated practical experiences;
3.show confidence in evaluating and applying information technology when answering questions;
4.use the language of computing;
5.are responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology.
Our Curriculum Offer - What We Teach In Computing
The fundamentals of our computing curriculum is set out in the National Curriculum, where it is categorised into programmes of study. Our high-quality computing education equips our pupils to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world. Computing has deep links with mathematics, science, and design and technology, and provides insights into both natural and artificial systems. The core of our computing curriculum is computer science, in which pupils are taught the principles of information and computation, how digital systems work, and how to put this knowledge to use through programming. Building on this knowledge and understanding, pupils are equipped to use information technology to create programs, systems and a range of content. Computing also ensures that our pupils become digitally literate, being able to use, and express themselves and develop their ideas through, information and communication technology.
EYFS
In Early Years children are taught knowledge based around computational thinking concepts and approaches. These help the children with necessary problem-solving skills needed for everyday life. The Early Learning Goals, Characteristics of Learning and Guiding Principles are peppered with computational thinking. We work hard to ensure that children in EYFS are ‘school ready’ and to give them a broad range of knowledge and skills. Computational thinking is at the heart of our computing curriculum.
Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2
In KS1, our children receive instruction in fundamental skills from the national curriculum. Children are taught to...
- 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.
In KS2 our children are taught to...
- 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.
Please click here to see the computing National Curriculum
Roadmap for Computing
Computing long-term map
Computing medium-term plan with end points:
EYFS Nursery Medium-term plan
EYFS Reception Medium-term plan
Computing knowledge progression small steps to endpoints
Computing vocabulary progression
Computing knowledge organisers - Coming soon!
Our Curriculum Offer - How We Teach Computing
Across the school we have adapted the Knowsley CLC scheme which allows our EYFS children to tinker, collaborate, create and persevere, progressing intoKS1 and KS2, supporting our children's progression and acquisition of knowledge in computer science, information technology and digital literacy. We use the online recording tool Seesaw as a way of journalling, showcasing and evidencing the children's computing learning.
Our computing units are organised into a series of well sequenced lessons, with the children working to build on what they have learnt before. Every unit has reflection points, which ensures that all children can process and articulate the concepts within the lesson before moving to the next step of learning. Where appropriate, our children create their own digital learning journals that record and demonstrate their understanding and the journey of their learning. Our carefully-sequenced planning ensures that key themes are revisited regularly, and children learn more and remember more.
The curriculum at our school is carefully mapped out to ensure that pupils acquire knowledge, vocabulary and skills in a way that builds upon prior learning. Staff scaffold and adapt learning, identifying misconceptions and removing barriers for all pupils. Our curriculum highlights the knowledge, skills and vocabulary for each year group and is progressive from year to year. New learning builds upon what has been taught before and prepares children for what they will learn next. Every unit has clear end points which children work towards on their learning journey. The teaching style that we adopt is as active and practical as possible although at times we do give children direct instruction and modelled examples of how to use hardware and software. Where appropriate, cross-curricular links are made in learning.
Our computing units and progression model is broken down into four strands that make up our computing curriculum. These are Mandatory Skills, Digital Literacy, Computer Science and Information Technology. In addition to this, we have a key focus on online safety across the curriculum.
Mandatory Skills: ensure the children have the core basic skills to use multiple devices, this is designed to promote independence.
Computer Science: underlines the knowledge and skills relating to computational thinking, coding, algorithms and networks.
Information Technology: underlines the knowledge and skills relating to digital communication, creating multimedia content and data representation/handling.
Digital Literacy: underlines the knowledge and skills relating to online safety and technology in society.
High expectations are set for all pupils and our outcomes are achieved through scaffolding learning and providing children with opportunities to develop their knowledge and understanding. We want our children to learn more and remember more in all lessons. Effective questioning allows teachers to remove barriers and adapt teaching for all. Pupils regularly engage in learning to support their knowledge and encourage them to talk about what they understand, drawing upon their prior learning knowledge. Drawn from research, these ideas, alongside our learning pedagogy, underpin our teaching and pupils' learning across school.
Ambition For All
We deliver a curriculum that is accessible to all children. Click here for further information on how we support children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). We use Seesaw serves as an online digital journal, offering a range of features designed to cater to the diverse needs of children, especially those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. These features encompass the ability to engage in voice recordings, create drawings, and capture videos and photos.
Our computing curriculum is accessible for all pupils, regardless of their starting points. It inspires children to think big, broaden their understanding of the world and encounter global diversity. Regular assessments and interventions are in place to support each child’s individual progress, ensuring that they are well-prepared for their future learning challenges and goals.
Seesaw plays a crucial role in facilitating self-expression for children by providing a versatile platform through which they can articulate and convey their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Through the incorporation of voice recordings, children have the opportunity to vocalise their ideas with clarity, allowing for a more nuanced and personalised expression of their thoughts. The inclusion of drawing features within Seesaw further enhances a child's ability to communicate. This aspect enables them to visually represent their emotions, experiences, or concepts, fostering a creative outlet. Drawing becomes a powerful means for children, including those with SEND, to communicate in a manner that aligns with their individual strengths and preferences. Moreover, Seesaw's capability to capture videos and photos amplifies the communicative potential by allowing children to document and share their experiences in a dynamic visual format. This not only encourages storytelling but also provides a tangible and engaging medium for expressing themselves, catering to diverse learning styles and communication modalities. Seesaw's multi-faceted features empower children, including those with SEND, to choose the mode of expression that resonates most with them. By fostering a supportive environment that accommodates various forms of communication, Seesaw facilitates a comprehensive and inclusive approach to self-expression, enabling children to share their unique perspectives with confidence.
Year 2 Computing Workshop
Spring term 2024, some of our Y2 children visited Cobbs Infant school to take part in a computing curriculum workshop. They represented our school very well using our school values and showing excellent computing knowledge.
What Makes Computing Special at Grappenhall Heys?
Engaging in annual events such as Safer Internet Day, Anti-Bullying Week, and technology-themed competitions not only reinforces a commitment to critical societal issues but also presents valuable cross-curricular opportunities within an educational context.
We regularly the older children to assist their younger peers during computing lessons is a distinctive aspect that sets our subject apart and enhances the overall learning environment. This peer-to-peer interaction not only promotes a collaborative atmosphere but also cultivates a sense of responsibility, leadership, and community within the educational setting.
In addition, we have regular STEM and enrichment activities, which use specialist teaching, workshops and class visits. Across the curriculum, we aim to develop cross-curricular links, encourage creativity and provide opportunities for all learners.
STEM Week 2024
Using our school values and putting their computing knowledge to the test, Year 6 with a lot of excitement excelled in creating mini movies using Stop Motion Animation.
Our Pupil Voice
"I enjoy computing lessons because it is fun and you learn what not to do and what to do if someone does something to you." Year 4 pupil.
Click here to learn about our Computing Pupil Voice
Our Curriculum Video
How Can You Find Out More?
We welcome parental support to secure computing vocabulary and learning knowledge and skills. Click on the links below for further information. If you are looking for a hands on approach to science enquiries for home try some of these investigations.
