Computing AT DOWNSHALL KEY STAGE 1 AND 2
Subject Leader: Ms Siddiqui
Introduction
Downshall follow the national curriculum and adapt the planning and implementation to achieve the needs of the relevant cohort each year. Our aim is to provide a high-quality computing education which equips children to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world.
As the world becomes increasingly rich with technology, pupils learn to create programs, films, music and a range of other content, whilst encouraging them to express themselves and develop their own ideas using the latest apps. Examples of this in Computing are evident when you look at the coverage across year groups and phases where there is repetition of key concepts so that skills and concepts taught can be built upon year on year and ensure vocabulary taught is understood.
ENRICHMENT
Downshall DIgital Ambassadors visited the largest Education Technology Exhibition in the world at London's Excel Centre.
"Visiting the Bett Show was amazing. We explored a range of exhibits and tested new apps, games and devices. My favourite was coding a robot to navigate around an obstacle course." Varun (Year 5)
We met students from Korea, China, Netherlands and USA, who shared how they use technology in their schools. I tested a VR platform which took you around different settings. You can add features to make the setting more interesting." Samit (Year 6)
The Bett show was so cool! We played interactive quizzes and games. It was a fun workout too! Also, I learned about voice activated 3D printing. Zayn (Year 4)
CODING WORKSHOP
Year 4 pupils visited the Apple Store in Regents Street for a Coding workshop.
"This was the best trip ever. I created my own avatar and coded a number of features like a background and favourite hobbies." (Maryum Y4)
"Swift coding was a little bit challenging to use but the instructors were helpful and I produced a really cool final avatar." (Zayd Y4)
"The Apple store is massive with lots of new devices and apps to explore. This was the first time I've travelled into Central London." (Ian Y4)
School Clubs
Computing Club is held during lunchtimes.
Subject Drivers
- To select and use a range of apps & devices to achieve a specific purpose and to communicate ideas.
- To understand the function of coding and be able to use a range of coding programs.
- To know how to use the internet and social media safely and to question the reliability of of information gathered from the internet.
Our Curriculum Subject Vision Document
Please use this link to access our most up to date Computing Policy.
National Curriculum
Please use this link to access the National Curriculum Programs of study.
whole school progression of computing knowledge and skills
Please use this link to access this document.
I-MediA Curriculum Map
Please use this link to access The I-Media Progression Map
Please use this link to access The I-Media Curriculum Overview for Downshall.
Safer Internet Week
Pupils across the school took part in a range of workshops and assemblies supporting Internet Safety Week. During the assembly, through engaging scenarios, children worked together to make safe choices using our SMART rules, reinforcing the importance of staying safe online. A key focus was reminding everyone to tell a trusted adult if they ever feel unsure about something online. The children showed great enthusiasm and understanding, making it a valuable and memorable session for all!
In KS2, we explored the topic of clickbait, learning what it is, how to spot it, and how to avoid falling for misleading online content.
In KS1, we explored the story of Digiduck and the Magic Castle, teaching children an important lesson about online safety. Together, we discussed how sometimes things online can seem too good to be true and why it's important to think carefully before clicking on anything unexpected.
Pupil Quotes
"We created a podcast on countries we have previously visited. Miguel visited Poland and I visited Morocco. We recorded our podcast on an app called garage band and we also created music to make our podcast more realistic. We really enjoyed making our podcast as we could talk about countries we love! We both love creating videos so it was really good practice." Arshiya and Miguel, Year 3
"In IT, we learned about A.I. Zaid and I created our own artificial intelligent robot. The robot's name was Steve. We had to design his functions. Steve the robot is designed to protect children in school and prevent bullying. Some of the functions we designed for Steve were a 360 turn, being able to walk forwards and backwards and also the ability to collect data to transfer information to the school office. We hope to see our robot in action for real one day!" Umayma and Zaid, Year 4
Links to helpful websites
Subject Display
