Computing at Manuden

At Manuden Primary School, we want children to become confident, responsible and capable users of technology.

Our computing curriculum is designed to help pupils understand how technology works, use digital tools effectively and develop the knowledge and judgement needed to participate safely and responsibly in an increasingly digital world.

We want pupils not only to use technology, but also to think critically, solve problems and understand the principles that underpin computing.

How We Teach Computing

Computing is taught through carefully sequenced units that build pupils’ knowledge and skills over time.

Teaching includes the three key areas of the National Curriculum:

• Computer Science – understanding how computers and programs work and learning to create, test and improve algorithms and code;
• Information Technology – using digital tools to create, organise, store, manipulate and present information; and
• Digital Literacy – using technology safely, responsibly, confidently and critically.

Teachers model the safe and effective use of technology and provide opportunities for pupils to apply their learning independently.

Computer Science

Children develop an understanding of computational thinking and programming.

As pupils progress through the school, they learn to:

• understand and create algorithms;
• write and debug programs;
• use sequence, selection and repetition;
• recognise patterns and solve problems logically;
• predict how programs will behave;
• understand how digital systems work; and
• develop increasingly complex programming skills.

Pupils are encouraged to persevere, identify errors and improve their solutions.

Information Technology

Children learn to use a range of digital tools purposefully and effectively.

This may include:

• creating and editing text;
• producing presentations;
• working with images, sound and video;
• collecting and presenting data;
• using spreadsheets;
• creating digital content;
• organising and retrieving information; and
• selecting appropriate technology for a particular task.

As pupils become more confident, they are expected to make increasingly independent choices about the tools they use.

Digital Literacy and Online Safety

Online safety is an essential part of our computing curriculum.

Children are taught how to use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly.

Learning includes:

• protecting personal information;
• creating secure passwords;
• recognising appropriate and inappropriate online behaviour;
• understanding privacy;
• identifying unreliable or misleading information;
• understanding digital footprints;
• knowing what to do if something online makes them uncomfortable or worried;
• recognising that people online may not always be who they say they are; and
• knowing when and how to ask a trusted adult for help.

Online safety is reinforced across the curriculum and through our wider safeguarding work.

Computing in Our Mixed-Age Classes

Our mixed-age computing curriculum is carefully planned to ensure full National Curriculum coverage and clear progression over time.

Where appropriate, Years 1 & 2, Years 3 & 4 and Years 5 & 6 follow a two-year curriculum cycle.

Teachers ensure that pupils build on prior learning without unnecessary repetition. Tasks, expectations and levels of independence are adapted according to pupils’ age, prior knowledge and individual needs.

Computational Thinking

Computing helps children develop important problem-solving skills.

Pupils are encouraged to:

• break problems into smaller steps;
• identify patterns;
• follow and create sequences;
• predict outcomes;
• test ideas;
• identify errors;
• improve solutions; and
• explain their thinking.

These skills support learning both within computing and across the wider curriculum.

Supporting All Learners

We want every pupil to participate successfully in computing.

Teachers adapt teaching and resources where necessary through approaches such as:

• explicit modelling;
• visual instructions;
• breaking tasks into smaller steps;
• paired or collaborative work;
• additional rehearsal;
• adapted equipment or software where appropriate; and
• targeted adult support.

Adaptations are designed to remove barriers while helping pupils develop increasing independence.

Assessment

Teachers assess computing through observation, questioning, discussion and pupils’ completed digital work.

Assessment is used to identify:

• secure knowledge and skills;
• misconceptions;
• gaps in understanding;
• ability to apply skills independently; and
• appropriate next steps.

Pupils are encouraged to explain the choices they make and evaluate their own digital work.

Computing Across the Curriculum

Technology is also used purposefully across other areas of learning.

Pupils may use digital tools to research, present information, analyse data, create multimedia content and communicate their learning.

Technology is used where it adds value to learning rather than simply replacing non-digital approaches.

Key Computing Information

• Computing Curriculum Overview
• Computing Progression
• Computing Policy
• Online Safety Policy

Find Out More

If you would like further information about how computing is taught at Manuden Primary School, please contact the school office.

Email: office@manuden.essex.sch.uk
Telephone: 01279 813370