With technology playing such a significant role in society today, at Bevington we believe that Computational Thinking is a key skill which children must be taught, if there are to be be ready for the workplace. It also helps them to participate effectively in this growing digital world. Digital Technology is fully embedded into our STEM curriculum map and there is a clear progression of skills throughout the year groups. The core of computing at Bevington is an integrated approach Computational Thinking, hand-in-hand with Digital Literacy, in which pupils are taught the principles of how digital systems work and how to put this knowledge into use through programming and a wide range of other relevant skills. All computing lessons are fun, engaging and allow pupils to get hands-on with a range of equipment to enhance their learning. We are careful to ensure that all learning in digital technology is linked to our wider STEM curriculum, enhances understanding and allows pupils to be safe online.
Curriculum
A wide range of fun, engaging and interactive activities are built into our Computing Curriculum for all pupils (2-Year Old Provision – Year 6). Within our Computing map, 3 core elements are taught throughout the year:
- Online Safety (ensuring pupils are digitally safe and understand the importance of being safe online)
- Digital Literacy (logging on/off, word processing, data analysis, digital graphs and tables etc.)
- Computational Thinking (coding, algorithms, networks and understanding how a range of digital devices work)
Computing is weaved into our creative STEM curriculum topics each term and helps to further extend pupils learning and acquire key Computer skills that will prepare them for the digital world. Throughout a pupils time at Bevington they will cover a wide range of learning activities in Computing including: logging on and off, use of and interpreting data and spreadsheets, range of digital presentations, emails, coding, programming, algorithms, game development, film production, radio production, web design and safe internet usage and searching.
Please see our Curriculum progression document for Computing:
Resources
At Bevington we have a range of exciting equipment and resources to develop pupil’s ability and confidence in using computers to communicate and handle information, control and monitor events and solve problems across the curriculum.
- We have an Digital suite fully equipped with 30 desktop computers that each class across the school has access to during the week for their lessons.
- We have four trolleys (each containing 32 brand new Acer Chrome Books) that we use within the classroom for a wide range of digital learning, including the use of G Suite and Google Classroom.
- In the Science Centre there is a suite of iMacs which can be used for Computer Aided Design (CAD) and other advanced STEM Computing.
- Alongside the iMacs we have two 3D printers which are used to further enhance learning and provide pupils with the skills and knowledge they will need in their careers.
- We also have an iPad trolley that we use within classrooms across the curriculum to further enhance learning and promote the use of technology across the school.
- We have a number of devices used across the school to enhance our teaching of coding, including BeeBots, MBots, Raspberry Pi 3 and CodeBugs.
- We use a range of portable devices to enhance our teaching and learning across the curriculum, including cameras, audio recorders, and data loggers.
- All classrooms and teaching spaces are equipped with electronic interactive whiteboards and visualisers, all of which include conferencing software to make learning accessible to children with visual impairments.
Online Safety
Online Safety plays a fundamental role in how we deliver Computing at Bevington. All pupils and members of staff sign an acceptable user agreement, which helps to promote the safe and responsible use of computers at Bevington. Furthermore, Online Safety is a constant focus, as it’s taught alongside all units of work. Safe guarding, underpins all sessions, which are fun, whilst providing clear guidance when using websites, playing games and using mobile phones. We also provide workshops for parents to develop their knowledge and confidence of supporting their child when using computers.