Computing at DSA
1. What We Learn - Our Big Ideas
At Djanogly Strelley Academy, our computing curriculum is designed to create proficiency and enjoyment of technology now and our children’s future world.
Our curriculum is built around three core Curriculum Threads:
- Digital Literacy (including online safety)
- Information Technology
- Computer Science
2. Our Approach
We understand the importance of supporting opportunities for all children. Our future workforce should reflect a broad cross section of society, including but not limited to: age, gender, race, religious beliefs, cognitive and physical differences. If we consider computing and the potential career opportunities and pathways this may lead to, it’s vital that a broad workforce is in place, particularly when decisions on design and implementation of systems is required to limit bias. Computing should be integrated within different cultures and experiences of people.
Lessons are interactive and engaging, using digital and physical technology, such as: beebots, spheros, iPads, laptops, micro:bits, robot vehicles and 3D printers.
3. Curriculum Overview
Our Computing curriculum follows a structured Long Term Plan (LTP) and is carefully sequenced to ensure progression. Here is a snapshot of the modules taught across all year groups.
Year Group | Autumn | Spring | Summer |
1 and 2 | Introduction to PM (Year 1) 3 weeks Route Explorers (Year 2) 4 weeks Online safety 2BeSafe (Year 2) 2 weeks – self image and identity | The internet (Year 2) 2 weeks Creating and Following instructions (1) 3 weeks | Technology Around us (Year 1) 4 weeks Online safety 2BeSafe (Year 2) 3 weeks Online Bullying Online Relationships lesson 5 |
3 and 4 | Animation (Year 4) 6 weeks Online safety 2BeSafe (Year 4) 3 weeks Online Bullying | Logo (Year 4) 4 weeks Sound stories (Year 4) 1 weeks | Sound stories (Year 4) 2 weeks Coding (Year 3/4) 6 weeks |
5 and 6 | Quizzing (Year 5) 5 weeks Online Safety 2BeSafe (Year 5) 4 weeks – Self-image and identity 2 weeks Online Relationships (Year 5) Lesson 1 and 4 | Game Creator (Year 5) 4 weeks Online Safety 2BeSafe (Year 5) 1 week (Online Bullying | Coding (Year 5/6) 6 weeks Online Safety 2BeSafe (Year 5) 2 weeks online bullying |
Digital Literacy (including online safety) Computer Science Information Technology
4. Supporting Learning at Home - Ideas to Help
You can support your child's Computing learning by:
- Allowing child time on Purple Mash to practice their learning at home.
https://www.purplemash.com/sch/strelley#
**If you need assistance with logging in at home, please speak to your class teacher. They will provide all details required.**
Useful Websites/Links for Computing at Home
Barefoot (KS1 and KS2)
https://www.barefootcomputing.org/homelearning
Downloadable activities and games for children, links to live lessons and a guide for parents - includes cross-curricular lesson plans and resources that unpack computational thinking in a range of subjects.
Code Club (KS2)
https://projects.raspberrypi.org/en/codeclub
Projects and activities for home learning and a parent guide.
UK Safer Internet Centre (KS1 and KS2)
https://www.saferinternet.org.uk/advice-centre/young-people/resources-3-11s
Online safety resources aimed at 3 -11 year olds.
Thinkfun – All ages
http://info.thinkfun.com/stem-education/6-unplugged-coding-activities-for-hour-of-code
Unplugged activities for children to learn the basics about algorithms without a computer.
Scratch & Scratch Junior
Scratch https://scratch.mit.edu/
Scratch Junior https://www.scratchjr.org/
The main coding site used at Teagues Bridge – Children can set up their own account and code using the variety of coding projects.
Tinkercad
Tinkercad is a free web app for 3D design, electronics, and coding, trusted Play video.
https://www.tinkercad.com/
This gets children the opportunity to delve into the world of 3D design. This gives the platform to generate 3D designs from 2D shapes and experience how architects and urban planners design their buildings.
AI – 3D animation
https://sketch.metademolab.com/share/cf1671e5e6f04254b5bb6b12ad4f7ace/wave_hello_3
Transform static sketches into fun animations using meta demo lab. You can use this program to animate 2D drawings into moving animations.