Computing & ICT

At Pinewood we recognise that the use of Information Communication Technology is vital. All children from Foundation 1 to Year 2 have opportunities to explore information from a variety of sources. We provide access for all our pupils to the Internet through the provision of Computing lessons, and also through all other subject areas. We use ICT equipment to bring our lessons to life, providing a hands-on approach to children’s learning. We believe that ICT feeds the imagination, encourages further investigation and exploration and challenges and encourages solving problems.

The children use iPads, computers, digital cameras, programmable robots and Interactive Whiteboards to acquire, organise, store, manipulate, interpret, communicate and present information. We are always looking for ways to further the children’s learning by researching and acquiring the latest equipment and ensure that it is fit for purpose. Children learn the importance of keeping safe online through all computing lessons, cross-curricular and during assemblies. We follow the SMART rules throughout school.

In accordance with the National Curriculum Key stage 1 Pupils are 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.

Our Intent

Our computing curriculum is underpinned by our pine cone values, Responsibility, Honesty, Self-belief, Respect, Kindness, Curiosity, Independence & Resilience. This is achieved by supporting children to develop computational thinking skills whilst encouraging them to become safe and responsible users of technology. We want our children to be able to use their ICT skills across the whole curriculum and use technology confidently and respectfully to support them in the wider world.  

Our aim is that children leave Pinewood:

- having had their lessons brought to life through ICT
- as responsible digital citizens who are able to make the most of opportunities presented by the changing digital world

- thinking about the safe use of the internet before accessing online material and know who to turn to for help when needed

- being able to confidently debug and solve problems

- as responsible digital citizens

A high-quality computing education equips pupils to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world. Computing has deep links with mathematics, science, and design and technology, and provides insights into both natural and artificial systems. The core of computing is computer science, in which pupils are taught the principles of information and computation, how digital systems work, and how to put this knowledge to use through programming. Building on this knowledge and understanding, pupils are equipped to use information technology to create programs, systems and a range of content. Computing also ensures that pupils become digitally literate – able to use, and express themselves and develop their ideas through, information and communication technology – at a level suitable for the future workplace and as active participants in a digital world.