Computing at Park

Technology is an essential component to all of our lives, which was highlighted more so than ever during recent lockdowns. It is therefore our belief that ‘Computational thinking’ is an imperative skill in order for children to participate effectively in today’s digital world and to provide opportunities for their learning and growth. At Park Primary School, we offer a broad and balanced Computing Curriculum, where all children have access to a device during computing lessons in order for them to achieve progression and continuity as they move through school. When children are equipped with the skills to think computationally, then they have the tools to use computer-based technology which will help them in their future endeavours. Alongside this, at all times there will be a fundamental emphasis on teaching the importance of E-Safety.  This is to ensure that children are encouraged to use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly in order to keep them safe online both in school and outside of school.

In Computing the children are taught:

  • To become competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology,
  • to work collaboratively as well as developing independence, resilience and persistence,
  • To think logically, analyse and solve problems through the concepts of Computer Science,
  • To use technology purposefully to store, manipulate, create, organise and retrieve digital content,
  • To use technology safely and respectfully.

The curriculum aims to do this through three strands. Computer Science (CS), Information Technology (IT) and Digital Literacy (DL).

Computer Science (CS)

KS1:

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

KS2:

Design, write and debug programs that accomplish specific goals, including controlling or simulating physical systems; solve problems by decomposing them into smaller parts

Use sequence, selection, and repetition in programs, work with variables and various forms of input and output

Use logical reasoning to explain how some simple algorithms work and to detect and correct errors in algorithms and programs

Understand computer networks including the internet; how they can provide multiple services, such as the World Wide Web

Appreciate how (search) results are selected and ranked

 

Information Technology (IT)

KS1:

Use technology purposefully to create, organise, store, manipulate and retrieve digital content 

KS2 

Use search technologies effectively 

Select, use and combine a variety of software (including internet services) on a range of digital devices to design and create a range of programs, systems and content that accomplish given goals, including collecting, analysing, evaluating and presenting data and information

 

Digital Literacy (DL)

KS1

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

KS2

​​Understand the opportunities [networks] offer for communication and collaboration 

Be discerning in evaluating digital content

Use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly; recognise acceptable/unacceptable behaviour; identify a range of ways to report concerns about content and contact.

At Park, we use Google for Education resources in many of the areas of our curriculum. In short, it is referred to as GSuite and it comes with many applications for different areas of computing.

All of our KS1 and KS2 children have access to Google Classroom where their teachers can post homework, add links to programmes they can use during lessons; or simply share resources that can either be used in class or at home.

GSuite comes with applications that make it easy for children to practise their word processing, data handling, presentation and many other IT skills. 

 

Areas Apps Websites/ Programs/ Devices
Programming

Bee-bot programming


Scratch Jr

Key Stage 1
J2e (School program)

Daisy the Dino

Key Stage 2
https://scratch.mit.edu

Word Processing  

Key Stage 1
BBC Typing game
Games and templates
Microsoft Word

J2e (School program)

Data Handling

Numbers

Key Stage 2
Games and templates
Microsoft Excel
J2e (School program)

Online safety  

Key Stage 1
Online safety
Safety story
Safety story
Child search engine : Swiggle
Child search engine : Kiddie

Key Stage 2
Online safety
Child search engine : Swiggle
Child search engine : Kiddie

BBC story

Animation

iMovie

Microsoft Power Point

J2e (School program)

Presenting  

Ipads/ tablets to video record
Photostory 3

Microsoft Power Point

Google Slides

 

To view the Computing curriculum documents, please visit our Curriculum Overviews page.