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 Teach Computing scheme of learning to support and inform our planning, ensuring that we meet all objectives as set out within the National Curriculum.

The Teach Computing Curriculum is made up of four strands:

Computing systems and networks

This strand begins by explaining what a computer is. It also explores how networks can be used to retrieve and share information, and the associated risks that come with this. Pupils begin by exploring what technology and information technology (IT) are, and then move onto exploring networks and the internet. Finally, they investigate how computing systems and networks help people communicate and collaborate.

Programming

This strand looks at designing, creating, and evaluating algorithms and creating programs to allow computers to solve problems. In this strand, teachers introduce learners to a range of platforms, designing and making games and quizzes suitable for all year groups, and work towards controlling physical devices with computers.

 Creating media

In this strand, learners select and create a range of media, including text, images, sounds, and video. Pupils begin by creating simple digital painting and writing, then in later year groups they combine media to create videos, podcasts, and 3d images.

Data and information

Pupils use a variety of different technologies to present data in graphs, spreadsheets, and databases, and also perform an investigation using a data logger.

The Teach Computing Curriculum uses the National Centre for Computing Education’s computing taxonomy to ensure comprehensive coverage of the subject. This has been developed through a thorough review of the Key Stage 1 - Key Stage 2 Computing programme of study. All learning outcomes can be described through a high-level taxonomy of ten strands, as follows:

Algorithms - Being able to comprehend, design, create and evaluate algorithms.

Programming - Writing software to allow computers to solve problems.

Data and Information - How data is stored, organised and used to represent real-world artefacts and scenarios.

Computer Systems - What is a computer, how do its constituent parts function together as a whole.

Networks - Understand how networks can be used to retrieve and share information and come with associated risks.

Creating Media - Select and create a range of media including text, images, sounds and video.

Design and Development - The activities involved in planning, creating and evaluating computing artefacts.

Effective use of Tools - Use software tools to support computing work.

Impact of Technology - How individuals, systems and society interact with computer systems.

Safety and Security - Understanding risks when using technology and how to protect individuals and systems.

The Teach Computing Curriculum is structured in units. The units for Key Stage 1 and 2 are based on a spiral curriculum. This means that each of the themes is revisited regularly (at least once in each year group), and pupils revisit each theme through a new unit that consolidates and builds on prior learning within that theme. This style of curriculum design reduces the amount of knowledge lost through forgetting, as topics are revisited yearly. The units are:
- Computing Systems and Networks
- Creating Media
- Programming A
- Data and Information
- Programming B

Online Safety

Keeping pupils safe online is crucial for their wellbeing and development. With technology woven into education, pupils face risks like cyberbullying and inappropriate content. Teaching online safety not only protects them but also empowers them to use the internet responsibly. Millfields Primary School plays an important role in fostering digital citizenship, helping pupils make smart choices and behave ethically online. The Teach Computing curriculum covers all the requirements in the National Curriculum for online safety and satisfies 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.