Computing
Computing is a key strength at Primrose Hill. We have a specialist Computing teacher who delivers the computing curriculum from Reception to Year 6.
Our Computing curriculum has been designed from the ground up to focus on the key skills and knowledge our children will need no matter what they go on to do as a future career.
Having MediaCityUK on our doorstep allows us to tap into a plethora of opportunities that simply aren’t available to the majority of schools around the country. Our Computing curriculum tries to make as much use of these opportunities as possible taking advantage of the well established links we have with companies like the BBC and Apple.
Computing isn’t just about the devices and technology we use - it is about having an understanding of computational systems of all kinds, whether or not they include computers. Computational thinking provides insights into many other areas of the wider school curriculum and children are able to use the computational thinking knowledge and skills they learn, in other subjects.
Computing is concerned with how computers and computer systems work and how they are designed and programmed as well as looking at the wider use of technology and systems and how these are all interlinked.
Everything the pupils learn in Computing falls under three key aspects:
- Computer Science - pupils are taught the principles of information and computation, how digital systems work and how to put this knowledge to use through programming.
- Information Technology - Pupils are equipped to use information technology to create programs, systems and a range of digital content
- Digital Literacy - Pupils are able to use, express themselves and develop their ideas through, information and communication technology.
In Key Stage 1, children begin to learn about algorithms (sets of instructions), what they are and how they can be used in programs on digital devices. They will create simple programs, including learning how to debug a program (work out what has not worked and change the program to make it work). Children will continue to use technology across all curriculum areas, learning how to create, organise, store, manipulate and retrieve this digital information. Children will also continue to learn about how to use technology safely and respectfully, keeping personal information private and knowing who or where to go to when they have concerns about content or contact on the internet.
In Key Stage 2, children will build on their previous learning in computing by designing programs that will accomplish specific goals; using sequence, selection and repetition to find solutions to problems; use their reasoning skills to explain how things work and make corrections when things go wrong. Children will learn about computer networks, including the internet, and how they can provide multiple services like the World Wide Web. They will continue to understand how to stay safe when using technology, knowing how to recognise acceptable/unacceptable behaviour and identify a range of ways to report concerns about content and contact.
Physical Computing and Robotics
Every year group has at least one unit of work based around physical computing and robotics. We use lots of different robots including Beebots, Dash and Dot, Micro:Bit, Sphero Sprk+ and our humanoid robot Cosmo. Children gain an understanding of how robots work but also how they are programmed and controlled to do different things. These units of work are always very popular with the children and create excellent and exciting learning opportunities for the children.
3D Printing
In school, we also have access to a 3D printer and we have incorporated its use into our Art and DT curriculum so that every year group in KS2 completes a unit of work where they learn how the 3D printer works and how to use the software to ultimately create a 3D printed model based around their Art or DT unit of work.
Celebrating work
We celebrate our children's work in Computing via our social media platforms on Twitter and Facebook, and through half termly 'Computing Showcase' videos which celebrate the various pieces of Computing work that have taken place in the different classes. We are also currently exploring the possibilities of sharing work through an online collection of good examples of high quality work.
Running throughout the curriculum are opportunities for the children to learn about online safety and how to keep themselves and others safe whilst online.
For more details about Online Safety for parents & pupils click here.