Computing
“Whether you want to uncover the secrets of the universe, or you just want pursue a career in the 21st century, basic computer programming is an essential skill to learn.” – Stephen Hawking
Computers are now part of everyday life. For most of us, technology is essential to our lives, at home and at work. ‘Computational thinking’ is a skill children at Millfields Primary School must be taught if they are to be ready for the workplace and able to participate effectively in this digital world. At Millfields Primary School we have implemented the Kapow scheme of learning to support and inform our planning, ensuring that we meet all objectives as set out within the National Curriculum.
Digital Literacy (DL)
Digital literacy forms the backbone of the Computing curriculum at Millfields Primary School. Children develop skills that can thoughtfully be applied in a range of different situations, with children developing increasing independence in the choices they make over which technology to use to help them reach the desired outcome. As they progress through Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 children will become increasingly confident in the application of their digital skills, becoming increasingly efficient and effective communicators, collaborators and analysts, showing imagination and creativity in their use of Computing in different aspects of their learning and life beyond school.
Information Technology (I.T)
Children should develop an understanding of how technology makes a difference in all aspects of life - at home, at school and in the workplace, as well as considering the impact technology has had on society over the years.
Children will, for example, develop an awareness of how different technology is used in the world around us (Key Stage 1) and begin to evaluate web pages, software and applications and use this evaluation in the planning of their own digital resources.
Computer Science (CS)
Children develop the knowledge and understanding of how technology works. This extends from an awareness that there is ‘something inside’ a piece of technology to make it work, for example, Year Three will explore how a computer is made of different components, learning about graphics processors and Central Processing Units. Progressing through KS1 and KS2 to children creating their own simple programs including games and applications with exposure to computer codes and scripts.
The Kapow Primary scheme is organised into five key areas, creating a cyclical route through which pupils can develop their computing knowledge and skills by revisiting and building on previous learning:
- Computer systems and networks
- Programming
- Creating media
- Data handling
- Online safety
Online Safety
Online Safety is a fundamental element of our Computing curriculum. We have a separate Online Safety policy, and Online Safety sessions take place at the beginning of every new unit of Computing and in P.S.H.E. lessons. Online Safety is referred to throughout all Computing lessons. The Kapow's RSE & PSHE scheme and the Computing scheme of work satisfy all the objectives of the DFE's 'Education for a Connected World'.
Please have a look at our dedicated Online Safety page, which can be found under the 'Our School' tab.
Computing Leader - Mrs Rhiannon Macdonald
Computing Link Governor - Dave Roscoe
Part of the STEM team.