Computing

Intent:

Our computing curriculum draws on links with teaching and learning in mathematics, science, and design and technology. We have designed our curriculum to ensure that our pupils become digitally literate at a level suitable for the future workplace and as active participants in a digital world.

Computing is an integral part of preparing children to live in a world where technology is rapidly and continuously evolving to the extent that children are being prepared to work with technology that does not even exist yet; therefore, our curriculum is designed to enable children to develop confidence in experimenting and exploring the use of ICT and be taught the fundamentals of computing such as coding and awareness of digital systems.

Our computing curriculum focuses on:

• Computer Science,
• Digital Literacy
• Information Technology.  

The aims of our computing curriculum are to support children in:

• Understanding and applying fundamental principles and concepts of computer science
• Analysing problems in computational terms and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems
• Evaluating and applying information technology, including new or unfamiliar technologies analytically to solve problems
• Becoming responsible, competent, and creative users of information and communication technology

Implementation:

What does computing look like in our classrooms?

We follow the NCCE (National Centre for Computing Education) resources for teaching computing, both in discrete computing lessons and embedded within other subjects.

To enable our children to develop as responsible, competent, confident and creative users of IT, we are continually broadening and developing our offer of the technology available to the children.

We have a range of technology available to the children, including class sets of iPads, Windows laptops and programmable items.

What does computing look like outside the classroom?

We are annual participants of the Lego club competition which is organised locally to share expertise in programming Lego robots to achieve a set task. We appreciate the support from the volunteers who give up their time to assist us in delivering this club.

We make use of a wide range of online websites and platforms to deliver our homework and increase engagement. These include websites such as Spelling shed, Timestables Rockstars (TTRS) and Spag.com.

All our children have access to remote learning via Teams.

Supporting your child’s computing learning at home

• Talk to your children about e-safety and have an open conversation about the importance of staying safe online. To view our e-safety page, click here.
• Use a laptop and teach children to type their own usernames and passwords in for their online learning platform
• Whatever device you use at home to access homework/remote learning, show your children how to upload their learning so that they can do this independently

Meridian Innovators