Computing

Computing at Stillness

Intent
In today’s rapidly changing world, Computing skills are essential. We believe that a high-quality Computing education equips children with the knowledge, skills and confidence to thrive in an increasingly digital society. Following the introduction of Computing in the 2014 National Curriculum, we aim to develop pupils’ computational thinking, creativity and problem-solving skills, while helping them understand how technology shapes the world around them.

Implementation
We follow the National Centre for Computing Education (NCCE) scheme of work, ensuring clear progression and full coverage of the National Curriculum across Y3 to Y6. Our curriculum develops key strands including programming, computational thinking, computer networks, word processing, communication and online safety.

Each year group teaches a discrete online safety lesson at the start of every half-term, ensuring that knowledge and understanding are developed progressively as pupils move through the school. Online safety is further reinforced through regular retrieval questions at the start of every Computing lesson and through the PSHE curriculum, where pupils explore digital wellbeing, online relationships and responsible behaviour in an age-appropriate way.

Pupils use a range of devices and software, alongside ‘unplugged’ activities that support planning, reasoning and problem-solving.

Online safety is further embedded within every Computing unit, supported by an annual Safer Internet Day Assembly. As part of this, pupils are also introduced to the safe and responsible use of emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI). Children learn that AI can be a helpful tool when used appropriately, but they are also taught to think critically, understand its limitations, protect personal information and make safe, sensible choices when using digital tools.

Impact
By the end of Y6, pupils are confident, capable and responsible users of technology. They understand key Computing concepts, can apply their skills across the curriculum and know how to stay safe online. Our pupils leave well prepared for the next stage of their education and for life in a digital world.

Beyond the Curriculum
Our learning goes beyond the classroom and the National Curriculum. Computing is enriched through a variety of experiences, allowing opportunities for pupils to see how Computing skills are used in real-life contexts and future careers.

A showcase of these activities can be found in our school gallery and on our Instagram page, celebrating the rich and varied experiences available to pupils at Stillness.

Computing Overview.

Year 3:

Year 3 Autumn 1 Unit 1 Desktop Publishing

Year 3 Autumn 2 Unit 2 Computing systems and networks – Connecting computers

Year 3 Spring 1 Unit 3 Stop Frame Animation

Year 3 Spring 2 Unit 4 Sequencing sounds

Year 3 Summer 1 Unit 5 Branching databases

Year 3 Summer 2 Unit 6 Events and actions in programs

Year 4:

Year 4 Autumn 1 Computing systems and networks – The Internet ( Web)

Year 4 Autumn 1 Computing systems and networks – The Internet

Year 4 Autumn 2 Creating media – Audio production

Year 4 Spring 1 Programming A (Repetition in shapes)

Year 4 Spring 2 Data Logging

Year 4 Summer 1 Creating media (Photo editing)

Year 4 Summer 2 Programming B (Repetition in games)

Year 5:

Year 5 Autumn 1 Unit 1 Computing systems and networks – Systems and searching

Year 5 Autumn 2 Unit 2 Creating media – Video production

Year 5 Spring 1 Unit 3 Programming A – Selection in physical computing

Year 5 Spring 2 Unit 4 Data and information – Flat-file databases

Year 5 Summer 1 Unit 5 Creating media – Introduction to vector graphics

Year 5 Summer 2 Unit 6 Programming B – Selection in quizzes

Year 6:

Year 6 Autumn 1 Unit 1 Computing systems and networks – Communication and collaboration

Year 6 Autumn 2 Unit 2 Creating media – Web page creation

Year 6 Spring 1 Unit 3 Programming A – Variables in games

Year 6 Spring 2 Unit 4 Data and information – Introduction to Spreadsheets

Year 6 Summer 1 Unit 5 Creating media – 3D Modelling

Year 6 Summer 2 Unit 6 Programming B – Sensing movement

Beyond the Curriculum

At Stillness Juniors our learning goes beyond the curriculum and is supplemented in a number of different ways. We enrich our knowledge through workshops – some led by our wonderful parents, themed days, school trips, team sports, and afterschool clubs to name some. Head over to our gallery and our Instagram page where you will see a showcase of these activities.