Programming

The New Computing Curriculum develops both skills and knowledge.  Children are taught computer science.  This includes the craft of coding, from KS1 onwards – floor and screen turtles and Beebots at KS1 to Scratch at KS2.  Children learn about programming, data, algorithms and networks.  This enables children to develop an understanding of the principles of computer science.  They develop computational thinking. There’s also a focus on problem solving: using logic and ideas about systems, patterns (and pattern languages), abstraction and decomposition.

The new curriculum puts a clearer emphasis on three areas of learning:

  • Computer science – how computers work and how to write algorithms and solve problems to eventually create a computer program.
  • Information technology – how data is represented and managed on computers.
  • Digital literacy – how to understand digital information and interact with it safely and appropriately. Click here to view Hemlington Hall Academy’s Online Safety Curriculum Mapping and how it interlocks with our RSE and Health Education curriculum.

The aim of the new curriculum is to build an understanding of how computers work and how they can be used in pupils’ lives – both in their future employment and in enabling them to be good 21st Century global citizens.

At Hemlington Hall Academy we are well-resourced to enable our children to use computational thinking and creativity across the entire curriculum, whilst embedding a culture of digital literacy and digital resilience. A range of programmes and apps are used to develop programming and coding skills for a wide range of purposes.

We strongly believe in educating our children for the world outside of school, providing them with the skills to make informed decisions about posting and communicating with strangers/friends on social media. We regularly have experts in school to work with our children to support them in making informed choices.

Throughout the year the Computing lead leads assemblies on e-safety encouraging children to think about their life on the internet and how they can stay safe and seek help and advice when they need it.

Online Safety is extremely important at Hemlington Hall Academy. We work hard to understand it, stay safe and act as responsible digital citizens.

Things to celebrate about Computing at Hemlington Hall Academy are:

  • The use of iPads to support mastery of skills and knowledge. Children are able to learn independently, actively, critically and responsively.
  • 2 mini suites have been set up so the computing curriculum can be taught to the whole class.
  • Most classrooms also have extra computers to support learning within the classroom further.
  • Recently replaced control devices to support the EYFS & Key stage 1 curriculum.
  • Upgraded staff computers in 2019 to ensure they are effective and efficient in teaching and learning within the classroom.
  • New investment in October 2019 has seen the computers in the suite been upgraded ensuring technology is at the forefront of education.
  • Planning and assessment of computing is clear and focused. Progression is consistent throughout the school, both in skills and knowledge.
  • Key areas of the curriculum are assessed and these assessments filter into the school tracking system.

Key stage 1

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.

Key stage 2

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.