Intent

In today’s world computing is an essential life skill. Software and technology are used to communicate, collaborate, express ideas and create digital content. The teaching of computing is important because it helps children develop their knowledge and understanding of technology and help them to become digitally literate and participate fully in the modern world. At Oakley Infant School we aim for children to use technology safely and responsibly and equip them with the confidence and capability to use IT throughout their current and further education, and home life.

The National Curriculum details that in KS1 pupils should:

• Understand what algorithms are; how they are implemented as programs on digital devices; and that programs execute by following precise and unambiguous instructions
• Create and debug simple programs
• Use logical reasoning to predict the behaviour of simple programs
• Use technology purposefully to create, organise, store, manipulate and retrieve digital content
• Recognise common uses of information technology beyond school
• Use technology safely and respectfully, keeping personal information private; identify where to go for help and support when they concerns about content or contact on the internet or other online technologies.​​​​​​​

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Implementation

Computing is taught at Oakley Infant School through the practical use of laptops, iPads, programmable toys, cameras and PCs in the classroom. Computing is taught both through links to the topic work as well as discretely. Children will be given opportunities to participate, working individually and in small groups or with the whole class. Children are encouraged to use technology in all aspects of the curriculum to support learning. All children will develop their digital literacy and computer science skills. Children will learn about algorithms, write and test simple programs and organise, store and retrieve data. Children have opportunities to be creative through using stop motion animation and creative programs. Throughout different topics children will use the internet to research about countries and historical events. E-Safety is a key focus in the curriculum at Oakley Infant School and all children will be taught how to stay safe when online and how to use the internet responsibly as well as recognising the common uses of information technology beyond school. Further information can be found on the E-Safety website page. We encourage the use of IT and computing skills at home for pleasure through home learning tasks.

Impact

We measure the impact of our Computing curriculum through the following methods:

• Assessment of standards achieved against the planned outcomes
• Marking and feedback
• Children talking about their learning in Computing confidently (Verbal feedback; Pupil conferencing)
• Children are ready to progress