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. Each year group explored their very own virtual adventure using Virtual Reality (VR) headsets!

In Year 3 and upwards pupils learn to code using a block-based coding platform called Scratch. It is hugely popular right across the world for being an opened-ended tool for teaching pupils to create their own algorithms and sequences, looping, selection. You can choose your characters to animate and even add your own backgrounds! You can share and explore millions of other projects written by children and young people right around the world. Start your adventures here: https://scratch.mit.edu/

Micro:bit

In Year 3 and beyond our pupils extend their knowledge of coding using a fun, hands-on gadget called a BBC Micro:bit. They are inexpensive to buy, and you can even borrow them from any Norfolk library!

Read a quick guide here: https://www.kitronik.co.uk/blog/five-minute-microbit-guide/ and a full parents' guide here: https://issuu.com/kitronik/docs/the-kitronik-parents-guide-to-the-b

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