Intent

In Computing at Melbourne Junior School, our intention is to help all pupils become independent, creative, and respectful digital citizens who are able to solve problems with a broad and transferrable skillset. E:Safety is embedded within the curriculum to make the safety of pupils an integral part of everything we do in Computing, helping to support safeguarding in our school. We aim to make computing fun for pupils, inspiring them to develop skills beyond the classroom and building an awareness of all the opportunities the subject provides so that our children are prepared for the ever-growing technological world in which we live.

Implementation

At Melbourne Junior School, our Computing curriculum has been designed to be progressive, building upon the skills and knowledge developed in Key Stage 1 and preparing pupils for further development in Key Stage 3.  Our curriculum ensures pupils learn computing skills from the three recognised aspects of computing within each year of their primary education.

The three aspects are:

• Computer Science – this covers programming (both block-based and text-based), including computational thinking using web-based software such as Scratch. Pupils across Key Stage 1 and 2 will write code to program physical and on-screen objects, interactive games and use text-based language, such as HTML and Python by the end of Key Stage 2.
• Information Technology – this covers the use of applications to create digital content, including document creation and editing, video making, digital art, graphic design, animation, 3D modelling and website building.
• Digital Literacy – covers skills to find, evaluate, utilise and share using technologies and the Internet. This includes important e-safety and internet research skills, as well as an understanding of computer networks in Key Stage 2.

Our pupils will access the different aspects of computing through the use of the Purple Mash scheme and I-Learn2 Primary Computing resources, which apply the knowledge and skills from the National Curriculum, and the Project Evolve E:Safety materials. As such, pupils can learn computing skills at their own pace, developing independent learning skills with opportunities to continually review and revisit the skills covered. In addition, our children will explore a variety of physical programming devices, such as BeeBots, ProBots and Micro:Bits. Consequently, pupils will utilise a range of software and hardware, primarily laptops, building upon skills and concepts they established from the previous year and developing them further in the current and subsequent years.