Computing at Alexander Hosea

Intent

At Alexander Hosea we aspire for our children to use computing as a tool to become digitally literate; express themselves; solve problems and develop their ideas, making links with STEM learning.

The key aims of the curriculum are:

• To develop an understanding of fundamental principles – logic, algorithms and data representation.
• To analyse and solve problems – including through practical experience.
• To evaluate new and unfamiliar technologies.
• To stay safe online, showing responsibility and respectfulness when using information and communication technology.

Implementation

At Alexander Hosea we use the Teach Computing Programme as the basis for our Computing offer. This is a scheme of work that that is planned by computing specialists with clear progression, high quality resources and subject knowledge support for non-specialists. From this, each year group (Year 1-6) delivers 4 units across the year – with a variety of foci and providing a range of experiences in Programming, Data handling, Media and Systems and Networks.

YEARLY OVERVIEW 

EYFS
Programming	Begin to understand the word algorithm as a set of instructions with an intended outcome, i.e. a recipe  Program a bee bot. Begin to use logic to predict what will happen next in a simple program i.e. predict the direction a bee bot will turn after programming.
YEAR 1
Programming	Programming A - Moving a Robot Programming B - Programming Animations
Data handling	Data and information - Grouping data
Media	Creating Media - Digital painting Creating Media - Digital writing
Systems & Networks	Computing systems and networks - Technology around us

YEAR 2
Programming	Programming A - Robot algorithms Programming B - An introduction to quizzes
Data handling	Data and information - Pictograms
Media	Creating media - digital photography
Systems & Networks	Computing systems and networks - IT around us
YEAR 3
Programming	Programming A - sequence in music Programming B - Events and actions
Data handling	Data and information - Branching databases
Media	Creating media - animation Creating media - desktop publishing
Systems & Networks	Computing systems and networks - Connecting computers

YEAR 4
Programming	Programming B - Repetition in games
Data handling	Data and information - Data logging
Media	Creating media - Audio production Creating media - Photo editing
Systems & Networks	Computing systems and networks- The internet

YEAR 5
Programming	Programming A - Selection in physical computing Programming B - Selection in quizzes
Data handling	Data and information - Flat file databases
Media	Creating media - Video editing
Systems & Networks	Systems and networks - Sharing information

YEAR 6
Programming	Programming A - Variables in games Programming B - Sensing movement
Data handling	Data and information - Introduction to spreadsheets
Media	Creating media - Web page creation Creating media - 3D modelling
Systems & Networks	Computing systems and networks - Communication

Lessons are delivered by teachers following the Teach Computing Programme, adapting where necessary to make lessons inclusive.

Online safety has a high priority and this is woven in through the Teach Computing Units, as well as being discretely taught through Jigsaw PHSE Unit ‘Healthy Me’ in Term 4 and annual Internet Safety Day (February).

All children in KS2 have the opportunity to engage with additional extra-curricular activities linked to Computing. Years 3 & 4 have a Coding Club and Years 5 & 6 have Lego Robotics Team, which takes part in an annual competition.

As well as using the Teach Computing Programme, teachers plan wider Computing and STEM experiences, linked to projects such as:

• Stemworks for Year 6.
• UWE outreach experiences.
• Children’s University activities.
• Aardman Animation workshops – funded by Wickwar Education Foundation.

Staff are updated in online safety annually either through cascade staff meetings following NSPCC training, or through Cyber Protect Officers through Avon and Somerset Police. Sessions for parents are offered in alternate years.

Impact

Pupils have a rich curriculum offer to support the safe use of computing in their daily lives and across the curriculum, encouraging their creativity and enjoyment.

Pupils have responded very positively to the wider curriculum offer and the Robotics Team are very enthusiastic about the club and competition at Whirlpool Factory, Yate.

There is a very good take up for coding club and they enjoyed using a range of resources – Scratch, Kodu and OhBot in a creative way.

Lego Robotics team in action.