Computing Curriculum Intent
With technology playing such a significant role in society today, at Markington Church of England Primary and Nursery School, we want our pupils to be confident, computer-literate creators, aware of the opportunities technology can bring to their own lives, and the wider world. Our broad curriculum, encompassing computer science, information technology and digital literacy, reflects this, and gives them the foundations to become responsible, competent, confident and creative participants of an increasingly digital world. We believe ‘computational thinking’ is a skill children must be taught, so through our teaching and modelling pupils are educated about how to use technology positively, responsibly and safely, to enable them to participate effectively in today’s society – and explore the possibilities it offers.
Computing in the Early Years'
Our computing curriculum begins in the Early Years’ our children are taught to identify and develop the computational thinking approaches to learning such as tinkering, creating and debugging. We support our children in mastering skills such as persevering and working with others.
Our children are exposed to a range of hardware that we embed learning through providing opportunities within our provision and revisiting prior learning and skills which will prepare them for KS1.
Seed Sequencing
The children began by looking at pictures of the steps involved in planting seeds. They then sequenced the pictures so that they make sense and are in the correct order. Next, they followed their pictorial instructions to plant their seeds. They also thought about what plants need to grow and the best place to put their newly planted seeds.
They have created an algorithm – a set of very simple instructions to show how to plant a seed. The algorithm was broken down (decomposed) into steps which were in a particular sequence. When ordering the pictures and planting the seeds, the children explored how they can work together, take turns, wait patiently, and express their thoughts and ideas.
Progression
KS1 Progression in Vocabulary
KS2 Progression in Vocabulary
KS1 End Points
Enrichment
What can we do with our Computing skills and Knowledge?
In our Computing lessons this half term we have been learning how to use Tinkercad to design a vehicle. We really enjoyed a visit from an Architect, Mr Chapman-Andrews. It was interesting to learn about how he uses 3D design in his job when designing buildings using a program similar to Tinkercad.
We also learnt about 3D printing from Mr Lyman, who showed us how a design can be printed in a solid structure.
Class 2- Spike Robot Programming
We have been evaluating the product made by Lego and the lessons planned by The Royal Navy and Coding Success. Using block coding is tricky but great fun! Here is an example of our work-
Spike Robot Programming
Animations
Animations
We used Stop Motion Animation to produce our own representation of Darwins Dragons and The Boy Who Grew Dragons (Class Texts)