Computing

In an ever-developing technological world, computers are an integral part of everyday life. For most of us, technology is essential to our lives, at home and at work. So at Whyteleafe, we believe that computing is an integral component of the curriculum and the skills children learn are fundamental if they are to participate effectively in this digital world. Our vision at Whyteleafe is for teachers and pupils to be confident users of technology so that we can develop the skills, knowledge and understanding that will enable us to develop a curiosity for learning and inspire creativity. 

It is also envisaged that computing will enhance the process of teaching and learning in all areas of the curriculum as the children will be able to apply and embed the skills they have learnt across the whole curriculum.  Through research opportunities, our children are taught about reliable sources of information and how to utilise this amazing resource safely.

At Whyteleafe, children have access to a range of different technological devices including code-a-pillars and iPads in KS1 to Chromebooks in KS2. The use of different devices provides children opportunities to experience different software and to become confident users of technology.

The national curriculum for computing has been developed to equip young people in England with the foundational skills, knowledge and understanding of computing they will need for the rest of their lives.

This has been divided into 3 strands:

Computer Science: This is the core of computing, in which pupils are taught the principles of information and computation, how digital systems work and how to put this knowledge to use through programing.

Information Technology: pupils are equipped to use information technology to create programs, systems and a range of content.

Digital Literacy: Computing also ensures that pupils become digitally literate – able to use, and express themselves and develop their ideas through, information and communication technology.

At Whyteleafe, the computing curriculum includes understanding how and why technology is useful, including using the internet, as well as using Scratch and Scratch Jr to explore and develop coding skills. 

Computing does not just end in a computing lesson; children at Whyteleafe are given the opportunities to explore a range of media to showcase their learning and promote oracy. This may be through the use of green screens, videos or recordings where children are able to perform or present work they have produced. Not only are the children embedding the skills they have learnt but they are able to develop others, including oracy skills, critical thinking, problem-solving and reflective thinking. 

Central to all of the work covered is our commitment to online safety, this includes how to use the internet in an effective way, how to keep safe online, how to protect our information and about cyber-bullying. We hold regular assemblies informing and updating our already knowledgeable children on the benefits as well as dangers of using the internet.  Our Digital Leaders are our E-safety Champions who actively promote and encourage others to be respectful and kind online. Recently we received our 360 Degree Certificate of Commitment as the first part to gaining the full 360 Degree online safety accreditation.

Our computing curriculum is assessed regularly against the national curriculum.

By the end of Year 6 Whyteleafe children will be safe and responsible users of technology. They will be able to recognise acceptable behaviour and identify a range of ways to report concerns about content. They will also be able to select, use and combine a variety of software (including internet services) on a range of digital devices to design, write and debug programs that accomplish specific goals.