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Computing

“We’ve learnt to be really careful when we’re coding because for things like HTML if you make a slight error it can lead to big mistakes.”-Sophia

“I like that we started coding when we were quite young because it’s harder and it feels like we’re learning more.” –Thomas

“Making scenes in Scratch is so much fun” – Tay

Computing is an integral part of teaching and learning at Manland Primary School. Our children show enormous enthusiasm for the subject of computing. All children have discreet computing lessons once a week. In line with the National Curriculum and using the skill set laid out by the Rising Stars scheme, they develop a wide range of computing competencies including programming (coding), data analysis and representation, communication through technology, digital photography and using networks.

The school is very well resourced to provide pupils with a high-quality computing education. Manland has an extensive computer network, which serves the entire school and allows children to easily access and share their learning.  We have sets of laptops, web-browsers and iPads, which are regularly used by pupils in their learning across the curriculum. In addition, we have a wealth of hardware resources including Micro-bit computers and equipment to link to servomotors.

Within lessons, Manland children are encouraged to share their learning and adopt a reflective attitude to their work. The children regularly share new computing skills that they have learnt.  They discuss their ideas, edit their learning accordingly and self or peer-assess their computing learning.

At Manland School, we teach all children to be safe and responsible when using computing technologies. As such, we encourage parents and carers to discuss online safety rules with their children and they sign an agreement that highlights key areas of which to be aware.  It is our expectation that when pupils leave Manland they will be well equipped in computational thinking and be able to apply this knowledge in their everyday lives.

Computing is used across the whole curriculum at Manland. Some examples of where we use computing across the school include:-

  • Phonics– using the iPad applications to read, write and record phonics work
  • Maths– using graphing software to represent data
  • English – using a digital camera to create a storyboard and record narration
  • Design and Technology – using 3D design software to create virtual worlds
  • Science – wiring and programming motors to produce simple robots

Our Aims – Computing National Curriculum

The National Curriculum for Computing aims to ensure that all pupils:

  • Understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation
  • Analyse problems in computational terms, and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems
  • Evaluate and apply information technology, including new or unfamiliar technologies, analytically to solve problems
  • Are responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology.

Ways to Develop Computing Skills at Home 

  • Encourage children to safely research school topics online and record their findings using appropriate software such as PowerPoint or Word
  • Sign up to one of many well-supported coding sites with numerous fun online projects such as Scratch: https://scratch.mit.edu/ or Code Club: https://projects.raspberrypi.org/en/codeclub
  • Enjoy games or activities with your child that are part of an online community – help them to make sensible choices and develop safe online practice.

Computing at Manland

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