Computing
Welcome to computing at Woodlands
Intent
At Woodlands, our aim is to prepare pupils for the future by developing the skills, knowledge and understanding they need to thrive in an ever-changing digital world. Technology is an important part of children's lives, providing opportunities to communicate, create, research and access information from around the world.
As technology continues to develop rapidly, it is essential that children understand not only how to use technology effectively, but also how to use it safely, responsibly and confidently. Computing, including online safety, therefore plays an important role in preparing our pupils for life in a digital world.
Our computing curriculum provides a broad and balanced progression of skills across computer science, information technology and digital literacy, with online safety embedded throughout. Children revisit and build upon their learning as they progress through the school, allowing them to develop confidence, independence and a genuine enjoyment of computing.
Implementation
Our computing curriculum is based on the Teach Computing and Oak Academy schemes of work and meets the expectations of the National Curriculum.
Children experience a wide range of computing activities designed to develop their knowledge, skills and understanding. In information technology and digital literacy, pupils learn how to use a variety of software, apps and digital devices to create, communicate and present information. They develop skills such as typing, creating and editing documents, combining text and images, producing presentations and websites, editing video and sound, and using technology creatively.
In computer science, pupils develop an understanding of how computers work and how instructions can be used to solve problems. They learn about algorithms, sequencing, programming, debugging and logical thinking. This progression begins in EYFS with simple coding toys and age-appropriate activities before developing through Key Stage 1 with resources such as Bee-Bots and ScratchJr. In Years 3 and 4, pupils progress to programming using Scratch, developing their understanding of algorithms, programming and debugging. In Years 5 and 6, pupils build on these skills through physical computing, using technology such as Micro:bit and Crumble. This progression supports pupils in becoming confident and capable computational thinkers.
Children participate in a mixture of unplugged activities and technology-based learning. This enables them to develop their understanding of computing concepts before applying their knowledge using digital devices and software.
Online safety is an integral part of our computing curriculum. We use Common Sense Education resources to support the teaching of online safety, which is reinforced through computing lessons, PSHE/RSE, assemblies, workshops, police visits, Cyber Sid sessions and enrichment events such as Internet Safety Day. Pupils learn how to make safe and responsible choices online, recognise potential risks, protect their personal information, communicate respectfully and know how and where to report concerns.
Impact
By the end of their time at Woodlands, pupils will have developed the knowledge, skills and confidence to use technology creatively, safely, responsibly and effectively.
Pupils will be able to:
- use a range of digital devices, software and applications confidently;
- create, edit and present digital content for different purposes;
- understand and apply the principles of algorithms, programming and debugging;
- use computational thinking to solve problems;
- apply their computing skills across different areas of the curriculum;
- understand how technology and digital systems are used in everyday life;
- make informed and responsible choices when using technology;
- recognise potential online risks and know how to respond to them;
- communicate respectfully and safely in digital environments; and
- understand how to report concerns and seek help when something does not feel right online.
Ultimately, we want our pupils to leave Woodlands as confident, creative, responsible and resilient digital citizens, equipped with the skills and understanding they need to navigate an increasingly digital world.
Online Safety websites
Here are some websites for parents and carers about keeping your child safe when online and using technology.
Click here for information from the Children's Commissioner website about keeping your child safe online.
Click here for information from the NSPCC about keeping your children safe online.
Click here for information about keeping safe from National Online Saftey.
Click here to access the Childnet website.
This page from Childnet has information about gaming and how to talk to your child about gaming safety online. Click here to access this.
Click here for the Natterhub website.
Click here for videos from Knowsley.org.uk showing how to set up parental controls.
Click here for a booklet with a 'Guide for Parent Controls' produced from Knowsley.
Online Saftey Videos
We will be updating this section of the webiste monthly with helpful guides on how to support your children online. These videos are from Knowsley CLCS. https://www.knowsleyclcs.org.uk/online-safety-monthly-videos/
Click here for information on online gaming.
Click here for information about online scams and digital footprints.
Click here for information about keeping children safe during the summer holidays.
Below are a section of guides from the National Online Safety website that give advice about apps that children use.
