Computing

We aim for all of our children to be confident, safe, and respectful users of technology. Our world is ever changing and is becoming more and more technology based so we encourage and support all learners to develop their digital literacy skills throughout their time at primary school.

Our scheme of learning

The computing curriculum at GVP is based around the Teach Computing scheme of learning which has been carefully designed by The National Centre for Computing Education (NCCE) who are funded by the Department for Education and supporting partners. They make a significant investment in improving the provision of computing education in England and their vision of “every child in every school in England to have a world-leading computing education” is very much in line with ours at GVP.

Here at GVP children in KS1 and KS2 follow the NCCE units of learning throughout their journey within school making connections and having opportunities to experience several areas of computing. This scheme ensures a full, progressive curriculum across the whole of the KS1 into KS2 and beyond into their secondary school education. The content of the scheme has been based on the latest pedagogical research carried out by the NCCE and their subject experts.

The purpose

We strive to model and educate our pupils to not only to use technology positively, responsibly, and safely but also how to be success using technology and how to get the most out of it. Our wider, knowledge rich curriculum is balanced with the opportunity for pupils to apply their knowledge creatively which will, in turn, help our pupils become skilful computer scientists.

At GVP we encourage staff to try and embed computing across the whole curriculum to make learning creative, engaging and accessible. We want our pupils to be fluent and confident to use a range of tools and software to best express their understanding, and hope by Upper Key Stage 2, children have the independence and confidence to choose the best tool to fulfil the task and challenges set.

We aim to develop computing skills that are enhanced by experiencing technology outside of the NCCE scheme of learning too as we recognise the pivotal part technology plays in children’s lives. As a result of this, where appropriate, alternative options are drawn upon to give the children a wider learning experience. An example of this is the use of Seesaw which is an online platform for children to showcase their learning digitally. Providing this opportunity empowers our children and develops their digital collaboration.

Access to technology

Throughout the school, the children have regular access to iPads as we feel this is very beneficial. Within the school, we currently have four iPad trolleys which are shared between each phase KS1, LKS2 and UKS2 with the fourth trolley shared more widely. This ensures technology is very accessible to everyone across the school for a range of purposes.

 

The whole school curriculum overview

As mentioned above, KS1 and KS2 children are taught using the Teach Computing Scheme of learning. Each year group completes six different units Computing Systems and Networks, Creating Media, Programming A, Data and Information, Creating Media and Programming B. These can be taught in any order with the exception of the unit Computing Systems and Networks which is always taught first, and the Programming A unit is also taught before the Programming B unit. Units may also be adapted to suit the learner’s needs.

KS1

Year 1

1. Computing systems and networks – Technology around us
2. Creating media – Digital painting
3. Programming A – Moving a robot
4. Data and information – Grouping data
5. Creating media – Digital writing
6. Programming B - Programming animations

 

Year 2

1. Computing systems and networks – IT around us
2. Creating media – Digital photography
3. Programming A – Robot algorithms
4. Data and information – Pictograms
5. Creating media - Digital music
6. Programming B - Programming quizzes

 

LKS2

Year 3

1. Computing systems and networks – Connecting computers
2. Creating media - Stop-frame animation
3. Programming A - Sequencing sounds
4. Data and information – Branching databases
5. Creating media – Desktop publishing
6. Programming B - Events and actions in programs

 

Year 4

1. Computing systems and networks – The Internet
2. Creating media - Audio production
3. Programming A – Repetition in shapes
4. Data and information – Data logging
5. Creating media – Photo editing
6. Programming B – Repetition in games

 

UKS2

Year 5

1. Computing systems and networks - Systems and searching
2. Creating media - Video production
3. Programming A – Selection in physical computing
4. Data and information – Flat-file databases
5. Creating media – Introduction to vector graphics
6. Programming B – Selection in quizzes

 

Year 6

1. Computing systems and networks - Communication and collaboration
2. Creating media – Web page creation
3. Programming A – Variables in games
4. Data and information - Introduction to Spreadsheets
5. Creating media – 3D Modelling
6. Programming B - Sensing movement

 

What do our children say about Computing at GVP?

“I like using the iPad because it is fun.” Year 2

“We use the iPads to research in lessons like History and it is so helpful. If we do not know a fact, we can search for one and use it in our writing.” Year 4 pupil

“In our computing lessons I liked when we used Logo to write different commands. I also really liked when we practised editing photos. Our photos really changed lots!”  Year 4 pupil

“Most of our class likes to use the iPads for TTRS and EdShed to improve our learning.”  Year 5 pupil

“We learnt how to use formulas to calculate different things. I learnt the SUM, AVERAGE and an example of one of my formulas was 6 = a6+b6.”  Year 5 pupil

“Seesaw is great because it improves our learning and we have so many tools to use on there. I like the draft button on Seesaw because I can go back and improve my work another day if I want to.”  Year 5 pupil

“The computing lesson on camera angles helped me to get a better understanding of how cameras can work and what different photos can look like.” Year 5 pupil