How do we teach Computing at Nova?
In EYFS, adults support children to be digital engineers during continuous provision using the resources in the classroom. Computing in EYFS is centred around children having the opportunity to develop their computational thinking skills in readiness for KS1, through bespoke resources created for Early Years by Barefoot Computing and Computing At School.
In addition to this, children in EYFS will also have the opportunity to grow as digital engineers and developing their understanding of technology through opportunities such as: taking photographs with tablets and exploring how we can alter them, searching for information on the internet using age appropriate search engines such as Kiddle, playing games on the interactive whiteboard, exploring computing equipment such as a mouse, keyboard and monitor, using a Beebot, watching a video clip or listening to music.
At Nova, Year 1-6 have discrete computing lessons in their classrooms using class sets of laptops or I-Pads. We use the ‘Teach Computing’ scheme of work as a basis for our planning. Teachers assess and adjust plans as required to ensure teaching builds upon children’s prior learning. You can find out more here: Curriculum teaching resources (teachcomputing.org)
Each child will be able to progress through 6 computing units throughout a year which focus on developing children’s skills and knowledge in programming, multimedia, handling data and technology in our lives.
Children are given opportunities to share their learning with a real audience where possible e.g. through class assemblies/cross phase learning. The ‘Teach Computing’ scheme of work also allows plenty of opportunity for peer-to-peer discussion and collaboration, which in turn provides children with the opportunity to evaluate and reflect upon their learning.
You can find out more about the scheme we use here: Curriculum teaching resources (teachcomputing.org)
Here you can find the units taught in each term across the school:
Here you can find the computing curriculum journey from Y1-Y6:
You can read our computing intent here:
Resources:
https://www.computingatschool.org.uk/homelearning
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/zvnrq6f
https://www.barefootcomputing.org/homelearning
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/sep/04/coding-school-computing-children-programming https://blog.teachcomputing.org/why-do-i-need-computing-though-sir/
Leadership:
Jon Deeney and Jo Brocklebank are our Lead Digital Engineer (Computing) who you can speak to to find out more about how we teach our Computing Curriculum at Nova.
Priorities this year:
- Nova’s computing curriculum is fully embedded, providing children with opportunities to develop their digital literacy and apply skills in real-world scenarios, resulting in high levels of pupil engagement and pride in learning.
- Children retain computing knowledge and skills over time; they retrieve and apply them confidently.
- Assessment/Monitoring in computing is used effectively for pupil progress, purposeful and takes into account teacher workload.