Curriculum & Assessment
Computing
Computing at Stillness
Intent
Today’s world requires constantly changing skills. The understanding of computing and its application of key skills to everyday problems, is therefore of utmost importance.
The 2014 national curriculum introduced a new subject, Computing, which replaced ICT. At Stillness, we believe that computing is an essential part of allowing children to discover new skills and develop their understanding of the world. The change in curriculum has given us the chance to review and enhance current approaches in order to provide an even more exciting and rigorous curriculum.
The curriculum has different strands that run and develop through Years 3-6 these include word processing, online safety, programming, computer networks, computational thinking, communication and productivity. We use a range of programs and electronic devices to enhance children’s understanding of these key principles. As well as using technology, the children also complete ‘unplugged’ activities where they plan and refine ideas and principles before putting them into practice.
To encourage the practice of this subject outside the classroom Stillness runs a Robo Club every week that uses the strands of the Computing curriculum. This allows children that are interested in the subjects to develop their knowledge and extend themselves.
Computing has enormous potential, not just in relation to the national curriculum but also across all elements of life. It will have a great effect in the future in the way children learn, as well as work. We aim to prepare pupils to participate in this rapidly changing world and develop their confidence in the use of technology to solve problems as they arise. E-safety and being safe online is a core aspect of the computer curriculum, there is inbuilt E-safety guidance in each unit, and each year we hold an E-Safety day to focus on this as well as additionally workshops throughout the year in this key area. All children are taught about using technology responsibly and about the importance of keeping personal information safe. We aim to teach them the correct and safe use of computers and internet access.
KS2 Computing – Programming Turtle
LKS2 Computing – Searching Safely Online
UKS2 Computing – Strategic Searching Online
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.
