VISION -Being a Computer Scientist at Lyppard Grange Primary School  

At Lyppard Grange Primary School, we envision computing as an exciting journey of discovery and creativity. Our school is a place where children embrace technology as a powerful tool for learning and self-expression; where coding is a language as essential as any other; and where e-safety and digital citizenship is instilled as a core value. We want children to be able to tinker, debug and work collaboratively to problem solve using technology. We aim to empower our children to be not just consumers but creators of digital content, nurturing a generation of tech-savvy, confident, compassionate, and responsible individuals ready to thrive in the ever-changing digital world.

INTENT 

At our primary school, we strive to provide children with rich computing experiences that go beyond the screen and into real-life applications. We have adapted the ‘Teach Computing’ curriculum to enhance it further and equip children with a purpose for their learning, using our themes. It is through these hands-on experiences and interactive projects that children will develop their critical thinking skills and have a deeper understanding of the role of computing in everyday life. We have interwoven the wide range of equipment and software into the curriculum, such as: Micro bits, Sonic Pi, Data logging equipment, green screens, Lego We Do and Lego Mindstorm. By the time they leave Lyppard Primary School, children will have gained key knowledge and skills in the three main areas of the computing curriculum: computer science, digital literacy and information technology.

EYFS:

While the EYFS framework may no longer explicitly include technology, we believe that computing remains a vital tool for providing a well-rounded education.  At Lyppard Grange Primary School, integrating computing into our EYFS curriculum allow us to empower our children with the necessary skills to navigate the digital world confidently and safely; in these early years. Within their classrooms, children have access to computers, enabling them to use software such as Paint and Purple Mash with confidence. Additionally, they engage with hardware like Bee-Bots and other resources to develop their computational thinking skills.  

KS1 National Curriculum Aims:

KS1 Pupils should be taught to:

• Understand what algorithms are; how they are implemented as programs on digital devices; and that programs execute by following precise and unambiguous instructions.
• Create and debug simple programs.
• Use logical reasoning to predict the behaviour of simple programs.
• Use technology purposefully to create, organise, store, manipulate and retrieve digital content.
• Recognise common uses of information technology beyond school.
• Use technology safely and respectfully, keeping personal information private; identify where to go for help and support when they have concerns about content or contact on the internet or other online technologies.

KS2 National Curriculum Aims:

KS2 Pupils should be taught to:

• Design, write and debug programs that accomplish specific goals, including controlling or simulating physical systems; solve problems by decomposing them into smaller parts.
• Use sequence, selection, and repetition in programs; work with variables and various forms of input and output.
• Use logical reasoning to explain how some simple algorithms work and to detect and correct errors in algorithms and programs.
• Understand computer networks including the internet; how they can provide multiple services, such as the world wide web; and the opportunities they offer for communication and collaboration.
• Use search technologies effectively, appreciate how results are selected and ranked, and be discerning in evaluating digital content.
• Select, use and combine a variety of software (including internet services) on a range of digital devices to design and create a range of programs, systems and content that accomplish given goals, including collecting, analysing, evaluating and presenting data and information.
• Use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly; recognise acceptable/unacceptable behaviour; identify a range of ways to report concerns about content and contact.

IMPLEMENTATION 

In our school, we implement our computing intent through a variety of engaging activities and experiences tailored to the needs of all children. We prioritise e-safety and it is at the heart of our curriculum, children know and understand the SMART (Safe, Meet, Accepting, Reliable, Tell) acronym developed and shared by Childnet. We celebrate internet safety day each year, however our e-safety does not centre around this day alone. Children are exposed to questions and dilemmas in their computing lessons which challenge their critical thinking and their knowledge of how to use all forms of technology safely. Our curriculum integrates computing across different subjects, allowing children to see its relevance and application in real-life contexts. We utilize hands-on projects such as building and coding robots, designing websites and creating stop-frame animations to spark creativity, collaborative work and problem-solving skills.

IMPACT 

At Lyppard Grange Primary School, children will be enriched by the learning experiences, equipping them with essential skills for the digital age and fostering a culture of creativity, inquiry and responsibility. Through hands-on experiences and real-world applications, our children will not only have gained proficiency in computer science, digital literacy and information technology but also have a cultivated mindset of curiosity, resilience and e-safety. Our children will be tech-savvy, confident, compassionate, and responsible individuals ready to thrive in the ever-changing digital world.