Subject Leader: Mr K Judge

Contact information: info@ironvillecodnorpark.derbyshire.sch.uk. 

Welcome to our dedicated page on the Computing curriculum! 

In today's rapidly evolving technological landscape, we believe it's essential to equip our students with a strong foundation in computational thinking from an early age. Our aim is to empower every child with the skills, knowledge, and understanding necessary to thrive in an increasingly digital world.

Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)

In the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), our curriculum establishes the groundwork for this understanding. Our dedicated staff cultivate a rich and stimulating environment where children begin to grasp their place in a technology-rich world through engaging play and exploration. This approach fosters an intuitive understanding of the fundamental concepts behind computing, making learning both natural and enjoyable. 

Key Stage One and Two (KS1 and KS2)

As children progress into Key Stage One and Two (KS1 and KS2), Computing is taught both as a discrete subject and, where appropriate, integrated into cross-curricular activities. We recognise that every child possesses unique abilities and experiences. Therefore, we are committed to providing suitable learning opportunities for all, carefully matching the challenge of each task to individual needs. This ensures every child can thrive and develop their computing skills at their own pace and to their full potential. 

Our Approach: Fostering Digital Fluency

Our approach to computing education extends beyond merely using devices; it's about equipping children with the essential skills, knowledge, and understanding to thrive in an increasingly digital world. We aim to foster computational thinking, digital literacy, and a deep appreciation for the role technology plays in society.

We utilise the Purple Mash scheme of work as the foundation for our computing curriculum. This comprehensive scheme thoughtfully integrates the three core aspects of the national computing curriculum:

• Information Technology (IT): We empower children to be effective and discerning technology users, covering essential areas such as multimedia creation (digital imagery, music, and sound) and data handling.
• Digital Literacy (DL): We foster responsible and effective participation in the digital world through an emphasis on communication, collaboration, and safe digital exploration. Children learn to navigate online environments confidently and securely.
• Computer Science (CS): We introduce foundational computing principles through practical activities like digital exploration, programming, coding, and device control. This develops crucial problem-solving and logical thinking skills. We dedicate longer units to Computer Science to ensure a robust and comprehensive understanding.

Curriculum Planning and Progression

Our Computing subject leader crafts a two-year cycle overview using Purple Mash’s mixed-age Long Term Plan. This ensures a comprehensive and balanced curriculum, carefully weighting units to prioritise the more complex and foundational aspects of computer science.

Medium-term plans are then developed using Purple Mash’s pre-made resources, which are fully aligned with the National Curriculum. These plans provide detailed information for each unit of work, including supportive teacher Continuous Professional Development (CPD) videos, engaging lesson PowerPoints, and clear key learning objectives. Crucially, these plans also offer valuable scaffolding strategies and highlight essential key vocabulary to support all learners.

We encourage staff to seek opportunities to link computing with other areas of the curriculum wherever possible, allowing children to apply and deepen their understanding in meaningful contexts. Our curriculum is designed with planned progression at its core, ensuring that children are continuously challenged as they advance through the school.

Units are carefully sequenced to build upon prior learning, and for units where a refresher might be beneficial, we incorporate 'crash course' lessons. These short, focused sessions allow children to revisit and recall previous learning, ensuring they have the necessary foundational knowledge before embarking on new concepts.

We are deeply committed to providing all children with the opportunities to develop their computing skills and knowledge, fostering their curiosity and preparing them to be confident and capable digital citizens.

Useful websites to support Computing

KS1 Computing Activities

KS2 Computing Activities