Why do we learn computing?
At Ark Little Ridge, we believe that as computing and the use of technology is an increasing part of life today, it is imperative that all pupils gain the confidence and ability that they need in this subject, to prepare them for the challenge of a rapidly developing and changing technological world. The use of ICT will enhance and extend children's learning across the whole curriculum whilst developing motivation and social skills. At this academy, we want to produce independent learners who have the confidence to use a range of technology within a range of contexts thus preparing them to be competent and safe participants in a digital world. Therefore, we strive to ensure that computing is not only taught as a pure subject each week and that opportunities for computing across the curriculum are well planned and enhance our computing offer.
Subject Lead
Deborah Hyder-Smith
Our approach
Ark Little Ridge Primary Academy follows the National Curriculum for Computing and, in line with this, approximately half of children's lessons focus on programming and coding. This ensures that our children will be equipped with the skills they will need for the workplace of the future. We use Purple Mash to deliver the programming and coding elements of the curriculum.
The scheme of work provides pupils the opportunity to develop IT skills that we use in everyday life and now to code/program things such as games, which prepares children for an ever-personalised ‘E-world’.
The children also enjoy regular cross-curricular opportunities to put their ICT skills into practice, for example creating a presentation in English or interpreting graphs in mathematics or science. Children also develop key Microsoft Office skills and use other electronic devices including cameras and microphones, the content of which can then be edited on laptops. Throughout their time at Ark Little Ridge, children will be taught e-Safety and learn how to keep themselves safe online.
Each year group focuses upon the common computing and ICT themes of:
- Using Technology
- Algorithms and Programing
- E-safety
- Communicating and Presenting
Year 1
Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 |
---|---|
Online Safety Grouping and Sorting |
Pictograms Lego Builders |
Spring 1 | Spring 2 |
---|---|
Maze Explorers | Animated Story Books |
Summer 1 | Summer 2 |
---|---|
Coding |
Spreadsheets Technology outside School |
All Year 1 subjects Next Year 1 Subject - Modern Foreign Languages
Year 2
Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 |
---|---|
Coding |
Online Safety Spreadsheets |
Spring 1 | Spring 2 |
---|---|
Questioning | Effective Searching |
Summer 1 | Summer 2 |
---|---|
Creating Pictures |
Making Music Presenting Ideas |
All Year 2 subjects Next Year 2 Subject - Modern Foreign Languages
Year 3
Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 |
---|---|
Coding |
Online Safety Spreadsheets |
Spring 1 | Spring 2 |
---|---|
Touch Typing | Email (including e-mail safety) |
Summer 1 | Summer 2 |
---|---|
Branching Data Bases |
Simulations Graphing |
All Year 3 subjects Next Year 3 Subject - Modern Foreign Languages
Year 4
Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 |
---|---|
Coding | Online Safety |
Spring 1 | Spring 2 |
---|---|
Spreadsheets | Writing for Different Audiences |
Summer 1 | Summer 2 |
---|---|
Logo Animation |
Effective Search Hardware Investigators |
All Year 4 subjects Next Year 4 Subject - Modern Foreign Languages
Year 5
Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 |
---|---|
Coding | Spreadsheets |
Spring 1 | Spring 2 |
---|---|
Online Safety Data Bases |
Game Creator Programmes |
Summer 1 | Summer 2 |
---|---|
3D Modelling | Concept Maps |
All Year 5 subjects Next Year 5 Subject - Modern Foreign Languages
Year 6
Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 |
---|---|
Coding |
Online Safety Spreadsheets |
Spring 1 | Spring 2 |
---|---|
Blogging | Text Adventures |
Summer 1 | Summer 2 |
---|---|
Networks | Quizzing |
All Year 6 subjects Next Year 6 Subject - Modern Foreign Languages