Computing

Intent

At Osmotherley Primary School we strive to provide a high-quality computing education, which engages, inspires and challenges pupils, equipping them to use computational thinking and creativity to become digitally literate. They will be able to use information, communication technology and express themselves through it as responsible, respectful and active citizens of the digital world.

Implementation

Computing at Osmotherley will be taught by delivering the statutory requirements for Computing within the National Curriculum in Key Stage 1 and 2 and using the Teach Computing scheme by the Raspberry Pi Foundation.  Although the technology strand has been removed from the Early Years Framework 2021, we believe that it is important for children to enter Year 1 with a strong foundation of computing knowledge.  We have decided on the most important and appropriate knowledge for our Reception children and included it in our curriculum.

Computing is taught in progressive steps in each area, which build on prior learning.  The Computing and Design Technology curriculums from local secondary schools have been viewed, and the subject leaders consulted, to ensure children leave Osmotherley with the skills to excel in Key Stage 3.

Within the teaching of computing at Osmotherley School, we want to encourage pupils to learn to use computational thinking and creativity to understand the potential computing has to change the world.  Pupils will have discreet computing lessons, but as computing has deep links with maths, science and design and technology,  they will learn to apply the skills gained, across a range of subjects.  Pupils will be taught computer science, which is at the heart of the computing curriculum, through the Teach Computing scheme.  They will learn the principles of information and computation, how digital systems work and how to put this knowledge to use through coding. They will build on this knowledge to create programs, systems and a range of content.  Children will begin their coding experiences with programmable toys and the beebot app, moving into block based programming with scratch junior and scratch and text based programming, Logo.  This will provide them with the skills to further their learning using python and CSS/HTML in Key Stage 3.  Children have access to i-pads from Reception and chromebooks from Y2 to Y6 to support digital literacy and blended learning. 

There will be an emphasis on ensuring the pupils become digitally literate; using  technology safely, respectfully and responsibly and recognising what is acceptable/unacceptable behaviour.  They will be able to organise their work for ease of access and will have had an introduction to many of the programmes they will use at secondary school.  They will be able to use, express and develop their ideas through information and communication technology, becoming responsible, active participants in a digital world.

Click here to view the Computing Curriculum