Computing

Computing at Bidbury Infant School

At Bidbury, our learning in computing is based on the Kapow Primary Computing scheme of work. This aims to instil a sense of enjoyment around using technology and to develop pupils' appreciation of its capabilities and the oportunities technology offers to create, manage, organise and collaborate. Tinkering with software and programs forms a part of the ethos of our approach as we want to develop pupils' confidence when encountering new technology, which is a vital skill in the ever-evolving and changing landscape of technology. Though our curriculum, we intend for pupils not only to be digitally competent and have a range of transferable skills at a suitable level for the future workplace, but also to be responsible online citizens.

In line with national curriculum guidance, our computing curriculum content is organised into three strands: computer science, information technology and digital literacy. There is a clear progression of skills and knowledge within these strands across each year group. The Kapow Primary scheme for computing is organised into five key areas, creating a cyclical route through which pupils can develop their computing knowledge and skills by revisiting and building on previous learning:

• Computer systems and networks - Identifying hardware and using software, while exploring how computers communicate and connect to one another.
• Programming - Understanding that a computer operates on algorithms, and learning how to write, adapt and debug code to instruct a computer to perform set tasks.
• Creating media - Learning how to use various devices and to record, capture and edit content such as videos, music, pictures and photographs.
• Data handling - Ensuring that information is collected, recorded, stored, presented and analysed in a manner that is useful and can help to solve problems.
• Online safety - Understanding the benefits and risks of being online — how to remain safe, keep personal information secure and recognising when to seek help in difficult situations.

In addition, skills showcase units give children the chance to combine and apply skills and knowledge gained, from a range of the five key areas above, to produce a specific outcome.

Kapow Primary’s computing scheme of work has been designed as a spiral curriculum with the following key principles in mind:

• Cyclical: Pupils revisit the five key areas throughout KS1.
• Increasing depth: Each time a key area is revisited, it is covered with greater complexity.
• Prior knowledge: Upon returning to each key area, prior knowledge is utilised so pupils can build on previous foundations, rather than starting again.

Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)

Our EYFS lessons are play-based, hands-on and fun and a natural precursor to computing in Year 1. Whilst the technology strand is no longer a specific area in the EYFS framework (2021), we believe that having the opportunity to develop computing skills at an early age can foster interest and confidence in technology and give pupils an advantage going into key stage 1. The EYFS units link to the prime and specific areas of the EYFS framework 2021 and Development Matters Guidance and focus on the same key areas as key stage 1.

There are four EYFS units focused on the strands of computing systems and networks, programming and data handling. These units consist of a mixture of adult-led and child-initiated activities which are selected by the teacher to fit in with different themes or topics. The children are also introduced to computing through continuous provision and by enabling them to explore different forms of technology in their daily classroom play.

Year R

Key Stage 1 (Years 1 and 2)

For key stage 1, the scheme of work aligns with the National Curriculum computing aims, enables pupils to meet the end of key stage 1 attainment targets and meets the objectives of the DfE's Education for a Connected World framework.

Primary National Curriculum for computing aims (by the end of key stage 2):

• can understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation (computer science)
• can analyse problems in computational terms, and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems (computer science)
• can evaluate and apply information technology, including new or unfamiliar technologies, analytically to solve problems (information technology)
• are responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology (digital literacy) 

By the end of key stage 1, pupils should be 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. 

DfE National Curriculum: computing programme of study: key stage 1

DfE's Education for a Connected World framework:

• aims to help equip children for life in the digital world, including developing their understanding of appropriate online behaviour, copyright issues, being discerning consumers of online information and healthy use of technology.

Year 1

Year 2