Computing at OLM
Foundation Stage Computing at OLM
During their time in the Foundation stage children will develop an understanding of the world and the technology used within it. Classrooms contain role play areas with a range functioning, model and broken devices, such as phones and keyboards that allow children to begin to recognise how technology is used in homes and schools. Children have opportunities to use technology to solve problem and produce creative outcomes; taking photos on an iPad, drawing on the computer or programming bee-bots. At OLM children will not only discover the wonders of the online world, but also the potential dangers with it and what they can do to be safe when they are online. Our aim is that children will develop their listening skills, curiosity, creativity and problem-solving abilities as we begin prepare them for life in a rapidly changing digital world.
Key Stage 1 Computing at OLM
During their time in Key Stage 1 children will develop the understanding, skills and knowledge needed to help them thrive and adapt in an every-changing digital world. Children will be equipped with the practical skills that will allow them to use a range of technology such as developing their typing skills on a qwerty keyboard and using a mouse. The children’s learning will be focused around the three main areas of the computing curriculum: Computer Science (programming and understanding how computer programmes behaviour), Information Technology (using computer systems to create, store, and retrieve information) and Digital Literacy (accessing and creating digital content, and using technology safely and respectfully). At OLM, Children are shown how amazing the digital world can be but also the potential dangers within it, and how they can keep themselves safe online. Our aim is that by the end of Key Stage 1 children, will have a solid foundation for future learning and beyond. They will have developed their independent and logical thinking through reasoning, decision making and problem solving.
Key Stage 2 Computing at OLM
During their time in Key Stage 2 children will gain the confidence, knowledge and skills that they need to prepare them for the challenges of the rapidly developing and changing technological world. Children will understand the importance of technology within school as well as the wider world. At OLM we want children to become computer literate by developing a range of transferrable skills which not only prepare them for their futures but allows them to participate in a digital world. We believe that all children should understand the necessary precautions to take in order to stay safe online and where to seek help if they need it. Children’s learning continues to focus of the core three areas of the Computing Curriculum: Computer Science, Information Technology and Digital Literacy. Each year children will develop their technical vocabulary and knowledge, as well as strengthening their computation thinking and creativity that deepen their understanding of the world and how to change it. We aim that by the end of Key Stage 2, all children will not only have met the requirements of the National Curriculum but enjoy using technology to develop knowledge and ideas, as well as expressing themselves safely and creatively as responsibility digital citizens.
At OLM we primarily use Teach Computing to support the delivery of our Computing Curriculum
Teach Computing is designed by the National Centre for Computing Education and it is funded by the DfE and delivered by STEM learning.
This Computing Curriculum is shaped around all the aims and content of the National Curriculum for Computing. The units are based on a spiral curriculum (something as a school we look for in many of our schemes) therefore key themes are revisited regularly (at least once in each year group). Each unit consolidates and builds upon prior learning within that theme.
This scheme allows flexibility and coherence in that the units can be taught in any order within the year (apart from programming) however, the lessons within a unit must be taught in order to be coherent.
Online Safety
Online Safety lessons are taught each half term and are taken from Common Sense Media Education which links closely with the ‘Educated for a Connected World Framework’. The Digital Citizenship UK scheme of work is organised by topic, year group and term. This scheme meets most of the statutory requirements and many of the national curriculum standards for relationships and sex education (RSE), computing, literacy and citizenship
Online safety is also a topic that is regularly revisited within our ’Ten Ten’ lessons. (Ten Ten is our Relationships and Health Education Program)
