Computing

In line with the 2014 National Curriculum for Computing, our aim is to provide all pupils at Howard Park with rich and deep learning experiences that balance all the aspects of computing. It is a subject that not only stands alone but is woven into all areas of the curriculum and can therefore provide a wealth of learning opportunities and transferrable skills explicitly within the computing lesson and across other curriculum subjects. Technology plays a big part in today’s society and although many of the children at Howard Park are exposed to technology outside of school, we believe ‘Computational thinking’ is a skill children must be taught if they are to be able to participate effectively and safely in this digital world beyond our gates. By the time they leave Howard Park, children will have gained 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). The objectives within each strand support the development of learning across the key stages, ensuring a solid grounding for future learning and beyond.

How Is Computing Taught At Howard Park?

Every class (KS1 and KS2) has a timetabled computing lesson and within that lesson, they have access to Chromebooks.

The children will have experiences of all three strands in each year group, but the subject knowledge imparted becomes increasingly specific and in depth, with more complex skills being taught, thus ensuring that learning is built upon. 

In Early Years:

• Computer Science will be demonstrated through:
  • Taking photographs using iPads
  • Continuous provision  – tinkering with old technology such as iPods, cameras etc., using keyboards, a mouse and monitors in roleplay
  • The use of verbal, pictorial and written instructions in class as well as using ‘hands-on’ technology like Bee Bots. 
• Information Technology will be demonstrated through:
  • Using simple online paint tools
    • Watching the teacher use the SMART board and being part of discussions around online searches.
  • Sorting objects and categorising data (unplugged activities)
  • Creating pictograms
  • Exploring databases through physical games
• Digital Literacy will be demonstrated through:
  • Recognising that a range of technology is used in homes and school
  • Learning to log in and log out
  • Learning what to do if they come across something on the internet that worries them.

In KS1:

• Computer Science will be demonstrated through developing the skills they learnt in Early Years as well:
  • Learning where keys are located on keyboards
  • Understanding that computers and devices use inputs and outputs and that buttons cause an effect
  • Understanding computers are made of different components
  • Understanding the term algorithm and being able to create, follow and de-bug one
• Information Technology will be demonstrated through developing the skills they learnt in Early Years as well::
  • Use word processing skills (on Google Docs) including; copy, paste, keyboard shortcuts, altering text
  • Edit photographs
  • Search and download images from the internet safely
  • Collecting data and input it into a spreadsheet (Google sheets)
  • Interpret and represent data in tables ad charts
  • Knowing how computers are used in the wider world
• Digital Literacy will be demonstrated through developing the skills they learnt in Early Years as well:
  • Knowing how to stay safe when talking to people online
  • Saving work into their Google Drive
  • Knowing the importance of passwords

In KS2:

• Computer Science will be demonstrated through developing the skills they learnt in Early Years and KS1 as well as:
  • Learning about ROM and RAM
  • Learning the history of computers and how they have evolved
  • Understanding barcodes and QR codes
  • Knowing when corruption can happen
  • Learning what a network is and its purpose
  • Learning how computers transfer information in code (binary)
  • Writing scripts of code and using decomposition to solve problems in it
  • Writing complex algorithms for a purpose and being able to debug them
• Information Technology will be demonstrated through developing the skills they learnt in Early Years and KS1 as well as:
  • Building web pages
  • Creating presentations (Google Slides)
  • Using animation, 3D design and music software
  • Using further word processing skills (on Google Docs) including; 
  • Creating and editing videos
  • Using email accounts (writing, sending, replying to emails)
  • Understanding how search engines work and using them effectively
  • Gathering sensor data
  • Creating formulas within a spreadsheet
• Digital Literacy will be demonstrated through developing the skills they learnt in Early Years and KS1 as well as:
  • Identifying possible dangers online and how to stay safe
  • Recognising that information on the internet may not be true and how to check this and use trustworthy sources
  • Learning about cyberbullying
  • Knowing that software can be used to prevent data corruption and hacking