Computing

In Reception, children begin developing their understanding of technology through play, exploration and practical activities.

They learn to follow and give simple instructions, recognise patterns and develop early computational thinking skills. Through Bee-Bots, children explore directional language, sequencing and simple programming.

Children also investigate different types of technology, use cameras to take photographs and begin sorting and organising information through simple data activities. These experiences develop curiosity, logical thinking and the foundations for future computing learning.

In Key Stage 1, children develop their understanding of computers, algorithms and digital technology through engaging practical activities.

Our two-year cycle includes programming Bee-Bots, exploring algorithms and debugging, creating digital images, word processing, stop-motion animation and using spreadsheets to organise information.

Children learn how computers work, develop simple programming skills and begin creating their own digital content. Online safety is introduced explicitly, helping pupils understand personal information, passwords and how to seek help when something online makes them uncomfortable.

In lower Key Stage 2, pupils become increasingly fluent with whole numbers and the four operations, including number facts and the concept of place value. This ensures that pupils develop efficient written and mental methods and perform calculations accurately with increasingly large whole numbers.

Pupils develop their ability to solve a range of problems, including those involving simple fractions and decimal place value. Teaching also ensures that pupils draw with increasing accuracy and develop mathematical reasoning, so they can analyse shapes and their properties and confidently describe the relationships between them. It ensures they can use measuring instruments with accuracy and make connections between measures and number.

By the end of Year 4, pupils should have memorised their multiplication tables up to and including the 12 times table, and should show precision and fluency in their work.

Pupils are immersed in mathematical vocabulary, which they should be able to spell correctly and confidently, using their growing word knowledge and their knowledge of spelling.

In Upper Key Stage 2, children develop more advanced computing knowledge and apply their skills through increasingly independent digital projects.

Our two-year cycle includes programming Micro, exploring Mars Rover technology, stop-motion animation, search engines, artificial intelligence, Big Data and an introduction to Python programming. Children also investigate the history of computing through Bletchley Park.

Pupils develop their ability to design, create, debug and evaluate programs while exploring how technology influences society. Online safety focuses on digital footprints, cyberbullying, online scams, privacy and responsible digital behaviour.

By the end of Year 6, children are equipped with the confidence and foundational computing skills needed for secondary education.

At Weeton St Michael's C of E Primary School, our vision is to provide our children with a high-quality, inclusive education inspired by Christian values. Excellent teaching and learning form the basis of all our work, delivered through a caring, creative ethos.

Our children are encouraged to have a positive attitude, develop resilience in their approach to learning, become confident in their own ability, and be independent and motivated to achieve their full potential.

We believe it is our duty to make learning fun, engaging, memorable, accessible and ambitious for all children, instilling in them a love of learning.

We take seriously our duty to teach children about the fundamental British values of mutual respect and tolerance, democracy, the rule of law and individual liberty. These values are woven through our curriculum so that our learners leave us prepared for life in modern Britain.