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Computing at Boldmere Junior school

    

‘To use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world safely.’

Computing Curriculum Design Statement

Curriculum Intent

Our children are growing up in an increasingly technological world. The ability to use and understand all aspects of IT is an essential life skill. The majority of children coming to Boldmere Junior school arrive with a lot of ICT knowledge and hands on experience. Through careful linking with STEM subjects, we aim to equip them to have the skills, knowledge and understanding of ICT, alongside the ability to use it appropriately and keep safe.  (See E-safety policy)

 

Curriculum Implementation

The core of our computing curriculum is the National Curriculum. Having researched new schemes we made the decision that none suited the context and needs of our children. We proactively worked with other ICT leads in other schools to design a curriculum specifically for the children at Boldmere. This ensured that ICT is embedded across all subjects and that there is flexibility for teachers to be creative. Our next step was to create the progression map which gives clear sequencing and progression of skills, knowledge and understanding in the three main areas of computing; Digital Literacy, Computer Science and Information Technology- of which teachers can then built content upon. This approach has ensured flexibility when selecting topics. The progression map deliberately revisits skills providing intelligent repetition, for example Scratch in year 3 looks at animation and algorithms, in year 4 embeds animation and introduces matrixes and in year 5 we add variables and in year 6 these skills are applied to another program.  To ensure that we build on prior knowledge from our federated infant school we collaborate so that the simple programing skills using Bee-bots are then developed further by using Pro-bots in the Junior School. We constantly ensure that our resources are in line with new technology, for example in year 6 they programme a Microbit as wearable technology. Regular CPD is planned for staff to ensure that they have the correct subject knowledge and are fully able to use all resources and fully meet the requirements of the curriculum.

 

Curriculum Impact

We know that when our children leave us in Year 6, they are highly proficient and can develop their computing skills further in their future education. In addition they are excited about their computing experiences and enthusiastic about developing these further into Key stage 3 and beyond.  They will have a sound foundation to confidently and safely communicate, evaluate and use a variety of formats in the technological world we live in.

 

What does Computing look like at Boldmere Junior School?

                                                                                                          

At Boldmere Junior School we provide opportunities for children to understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation. We analyse problems in computational terms, and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems. We aim to make the children responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology.  We ensure E-Safety is always a priority and is embedded in every computing lesson. Where appropriate, we use cross-curricular links ensuring children use their computing skills and knowledge to complete tasks in other subject areas, as computing has deep links in other subjects, specifically our STEM subjects. Our aim is to keep up-to-date with the evolving technology available to children. An example of this is investing in Pro-bots and Micro:bits to help us learn how to write an algorithm and use code in sequence. The technology gives children the opportunity to 'Get creative, get connected, get coding!'

        

    

Why don’t you try some of these free downloads of educational software?

Links to Scratch, Code Combat, and Survey Monkey.

 

Our Computing Curriculum

The following document group contains our computing progression map, linked knowledge organisers (Created by Simon Haughton) and the computing key vocabulary.

Computing Curriculum

 

Our Computing Blogs and Vlogs

                                                                              

 

Safer Internet Day 2021 at Boldmere Junior School

  

To celebrate Safer Internet Day on the 9^th February, 2021 we provided lots of activities to spark a conversation about the safe and responsible use of technology. Our aim was to inspire our children to create a better internet for the future! Look at the wonderful work that was produced at home (during lockdown)...

Year 3
Year 4
Year 5
Year 6

 

  

   

Helping your children at home

We know just how much time children spend chatting, surfing or playing games online and how much they love connecting and sharing with people all over the world. But there are risks, the good news is that keeping them safe online doesn’t have to be difficult. It’s more about common sense and communication than computer know-how.

In fact just a few steps can ensure that every child can surf safely. 

1. Understand the risks- click here to find out more about the most common dangers that children face online.

2. Take control- Ensure you use the parental controls that filter the type of content your children can see when they’re online. 

3. Keep it private- Keep all your private information private- educate your children on how to do this. 

4. Talk- is so important to keep conversation going to prevent problems, or to deal with them if they are already happening.

- Have a family discussion to set boundaries.

- Explore sites and apps together.

- Show how to use privacy settings.  

- Reassure your child they can talk to you. 

There are some more useful links here on how to keep your children safe when using the games and social media sites that is used by many;

Fifa- click this link for a useful guide. 

 

What’s App- click this link for a useful guide. 

 

Snapchat -click this link for a useful guide. 

 

Minecraft- click this link for a useful guide. 

 

Instagram- click this link for a useful guide. 

 

Roblox- click this link for a useful guide. 

 

Disney+- - click this link for a useful guide. 

 

TikTok- click this link for a useful guide. 

 

Live Steaming- click this link for a useful guide. 

We have a suggested list of suitable apps for your child's age here. Click this link.

 

Further resources

We know that a large majority of our children love using computing equipment at school and at home, so we have created a learning wall that contains a wide variety of FREE resources that will enable your child to develop their computing skills at home and at school. Our Computing Learning Wall