Computing
At Thornbury, our children will have a deep understanding of computer science, and develop the information technology skills to be effective communicators. In doing so, our children will be fully prepared for their next stage of education and equipped with these skills and knowledge for the rest of their lives. Computing is an increasingly significant part of both professional and personal daily life and we believe that our children should be at the forefront of new technology, with a thirst for digital learning. We will deliver a knowledge-rich curriculum that:
- Systematically develops an understanding of programming, including algorithms.
- Teaches children how computer systems, devices and the internet works.
- Ensures a sequential and structured focus on all important aspects of online safety.
- Develops the word processing skills needed for easy access to all aspects of secondary education.
- Provides broad and deep experiences of a range of software applications and applies them across the curriculum.
This begins in early years, where children become familiar with basic controls on digital devices, for example taking photographs with a digital camera. In Key Stage 1, children are practically introduced to the fundamentals of algorithms, take a first journey through the world of IT and begin to develop the skills to use MS Word. Themes are broadened and developed throughout Key Stage 2. The four essential programming strands of sequencing, repetition, selection and variables are developed so that children can design and debug their own programs. Children also learn about computer networks, as well as broadening their mastery of common computer applications, to ensure readiness for secondary school.
We ensure that this learning is undertaken in unison with a systematic development of all aspects of online safety because at Thornbury we want to ensure that our children are fully equipped to negotiate the ever-changing digital world, both safely and responsibly. Here, we focus on themes such as privacy, online bullying and healthy relationships, developing and revisiting important aspects of online safety throughout the years, as per the computing progression map below.
Our knowledge-rich computing curriculum is taught according to the following whole school long term plan for computing:
| Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 | Spring 1 | Spring 2 | Summer 1 | Summer 2 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | Creating digital writing Health, wellbeing and lifestyle |
Digital painting Online bullying |
Grouping data Privacy and security Copyright and ownership |
Basic algorithms Online reputation |
Moving a robot Managing online information |
Computer and networks – technology around us
Online relationships |
| Year 2 | Pictograms Online relationships |
Using the internet SMART rules |
Basic algorithms Online reputation |
Programming animations Privacy and security |
Computer systems Copyright and ownership |
Digital music Online bullying |
| Year 3 | Desktop publishing SMART rules |
Connecting computers Self-image and identity |
Online polling Online relationships |
Stop frame animation Online reputation |
Programming – sounds Managing online information |
Programming – events and actions Privacy and security |
| Year 4 | Presenting SMART rules |
Statistics Self-image and identity |
Word Processing Online relationships |
The internet Online reputation |
Repetition in shapes Health, wellbeing and lifestyle |
Programming – repetition in games
Privacy and security |
| Year 5 | Presenting SMART rules |
3D modelling Self-image and identity |
Systems and searching Online relationships |
Programming – games Online bullying Managing information online |
Selection in quizzing Health, wellbeing and lifestyle |
Introduction to vector graphics Copyright and ownership |
| Year 6 | Publishing and word processing Online relationships Online reputation |
Spreadsheets Self-image and identity |
Presenting SMART rules |
Computer systems and networks Copyright and ownership |
Sensing movement Online bullying |
Variables in games Phishing |
The three main strands in the National Curriculum for computing are computer science, information technology and digital literacy, These are carefully mapped out in our computing progression map, accessible below.
Our children are given motivating and inspiring cross-curricular opportunities and special experiences to embed essential learning. This enrichment is an essential element of our computing curriculum offer. For example:
- Visits from the local community police to support cyber awareness;
- Coding workshops at Bradford Science and Media Museum, with real life applications;
- Visitors who use computing within their careers.