Computing

At Drake, we provide a relevant, engaging and challenging Computing curriculum that ensures pupils are able to thrive in a modern technological world.

We will provide relevant training for our staff; ensure Computing resources are effectively used; work with external partners to ensure our assessments are accurate; use assessments to carefully plan next steps; provide appropriate resources to support all our pupils and offer enrichment opportunities to inspire a life-long love of computing and technology.

To achieve this, our Computing lessons are observed to be of the correct challenge for all groups of pupils; teachers are confident to make judgements in Computing; progress is achieved and next steps are carefully planned.

We are well resourced to deliver this curriculum. Every classroom has a teacher laptop and interactive whiteboard. Each year group has access to dedicated laptops and iPads, which can be brought into the classroom. We have a range of additional resources such as Beebots, digital cameras and BBC Micro:bits.

Steve Williams, our Computing subject leader, recently attended the technology conference Bett at the Excel Centre in London. There were workshops on using iPads to inspire creativity in our pupils; improving pupils' coding in Scratch; new features on Microsoft's MakeCode website for Micro:bits; a keynote speech by world renowned author Pie Corbett  and a global launch of new features of Google Classroom. It was a jam-packed day!

In the theme Program this! Pupils will be able to:

• give instructions to my friend
• tell you the order I need to do things, called an algorithm
• program a robot or software to do a particular task (Beebot)
• spot where a program goes wrong so that I can debug it
• write algorithms, debug and test code using applications such as in Scratch, Kudo, HTML  and control technology such as BBC Micro:bits

In the theme Data everywhere! pupils will be able to:

• use the most suitable technology to collect information
• make bar charts, line graphs and pie charts and use them to answer questions
• enter data into a spreadsheet and use functions and formulae to answer questions
• store data in the correct format in a database and use it to answer questions

In the theme Get creative! pupils will be able to:

• use PCs and tablet devices to store, retrieve, edit and present their ideas in different word processing apps and software, such a MS Word, Google Docs and iPad Pages
• use technology to create digital artwork, stop motion animation and video
• use technology to create digital music, using apps such as GarageBand and Launchpad

In the theme Digital literacy pupils will be able to:

• identify uses of technology within school and at home
• think about how long I should be spending online
• keep my passwords secure
• cite other’s work following copyright
• become responsible digital citizens
• explore how the media can play a powerful role in shaping our sense of identity

In the theme Staying safe pupils will be able to:

• tell an adult when they see something unexpected or worrying online
• identify the personal information they shouldn’t share online
• talk about why it’s important to be respectful online
• recognise what games are safe and appropriate
• recognise a website that’s right for them
• check with an adult before downloading any new software
• follow the 5 Online Safety rules in school