Computing

What is the vision for Computing?

Computing is changing the lives of everyone, especially children and young people. At Minworth Junior and Infant School, through the teaching of Computing, we equip children to participate in a rapidly-changing world where work and leisure activities are increasingly transformed by technology. Computing enables rapid access to ideas and experiences from a wide range of communities and cultures. Using computing tools: pupils can find, explore, analyse, exchange and present information. We also focus on developing the skills necessary for children to be able to use information in a discriminating and effective way. Increased computing capability promotes initiative and independent learners. It must be our intent to enable all children in the school to develop the knowledge, skills and understanding that will enable them to function in this digital age. Computing skills are a major factor in enabling children to be confident, creative and independent learners.

How do we ensure it?

At Minworth School, computing is taught using a blocked curriculum approach. This ensures children are able to develop depth in their knowledge and skills over the duration of each of their computing topics. Teachers use the ‘Teach Computing’ scheme, as a starting point for the planning of their computing lessons, which are often richly linked to engaging contexts in other subjects and topics. Knowledge and skills are mapped across each topic and year group to ensure systematic progression. We have a Key Stage 1 and a Key Stage 2 set of laptops and class iPads to ensure that all year groups have the opportunity to use a range of devices and programs for many purposes across the wider curriculum, as well as in discrete computing lessons. Employing cross-curricular links motivates pupils and supports them to make connections and remember the steps they have been taught.

The implementation of the curriculum also ensures a balanced coverage of computer science, information technology and digital literacy. 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. For example, children in Key Stage 1 learn what algorithms are, which leads them to the design stage of programming in Key Stage 2, where they design, write and debug programs, explaining the thinking behind their algorithms.

Knowledge & Skills Progression - Coming soon!

Digital Literacy - Coming soon!

Computing Policy - Coming Soon!