Computing
Computing is an important component in our vision to prepare every child for their future. Our curriculum has been designed to ensure every learner is challenged, and inspired. Our approach ensures technology can enhance and support all learners, giving them the tools to be creative using a wide range of applications.
The Computing Curriculum is comprised of three Key areas of study: Computer Science; Digital Literacy and Information Technology
Computer Science.
The study of the hardware, software, networking and processes that give life to a machine to enable it to perform complicated tasks and actions such as coding a Math’s quiz and a platform game.
Digital Literacy
Learning to use technology appropriately and responsibly to survive and thrive in the digital world. It is at the forefront of all lessons and is embedded through class assemblies and e-safety days throughout the year.
Information Technology
Select, use and combine a variety of software (including internet services) on a range of digital devices to design and create content that accomplish given goals, including collecting, analysing, evaluating and presenting data and information.
Why learn Computing?
Computing in the 21st Century is seen as an essential area of learning. At Westacre Middle School we recognise that technology plays an important role in the everyday lives of children, young people and adults. Consequently, we endeavour to build in the use of new technologies in order to equip young people with the skills they will need to access life-long learning and employment. We are delighted to provide children with the opportunity to use a wide range of resources to deliver our curriculum. Computing cultivates computational thinkers with a wide range of skills including tinkering, creating, debugging, persevering and collaborating.
What facilities can we offer pupils?
Children at Westacre have access to a wide variety of technology and software from our two dedicated computing areas, iPads in all classrooms, iPods, Micro:Bit computers and programmable Sphero robots.
As is the nature of the subject, the technology we embed is ever changing therefore we actively keep up to date through ongoing professional development. As a result, staff are dedicated to creating engaging and inspiring lessons which encompass all areas of the National Curriculum. We foster a creative approach to teaching where cross curricular links, between computing and other subjects, enable real life contexts for learning.
Learning objectives
Year 5 and 6
Computer Science
Solve problems by decomposing them into smaller parts
Use selection in programs
Work with variables
Use logical reasoning to explain how some simple algorithms work
Use logical reasoning to detect and correct errors in algorithms
Appreciate how search results are ranked
Information Technology
Combine a variety of software to accomplish given goals
Select, use and combine software on a range of digital devices
Analyse data
Evaluate data
Design and create systems
Digital Literacy
Understand the opportunities computer networks offer for collaboration
Be discerning in evaluating digital content
Year 7
In addition to the above, to enable pupils to:
Computer Science
Use computational abstractions that model the state and behaviour of real-world problems and physical systems
use one programming language, to solve a variety of computational problems;
understand data structures [for example, lists, tables or arrays];
understand how numbers can be represented in binary,
understand how instructions are stored and executed within a computer system;
Information Technology
undertake creative projects that involve selecting, using, and combining multiple applications, including collecting and analysing data
Re-use and revise digital artefacts for a given audience, with attention to trustworthiness, design and usability
Digital Literacy
understand the hardware and software components that make up computer systems
understand a range of ways to use technology safely, respectfully, responsibly and securely
What do we teach?
Each year group is taught specific topics where they learn key skills and vocabulary, which are developed and expanded as they progress. These topics have been co-ordinated with our pyramid schools so that learning is consistent both during their time at Westacre and into the future. We encourage our pupils to make effective use of technology across the curriculum.
Please see the document below for more information about our curriculum intent for Computing:
Please see the document below for more information about how we support the needs of all learners in Computing:
Please see the document below for more information about the 'subject traits' we have planned in Computing that we aim for all our children to leave Westacre being able to do:
Year 7 Computing Science
Year 7 have been dismantling some old computer kit, to examine what is inside. They have made notes and then produced presentations to teach each other about the various components.
Algorithms for Adults Workshop 28th June
Many thanks to all of the adults who came along to our workshop and had fun finding out what an algorithm was, and had go at creating their own!
For those who would like to continue their learning, the following links will take you to the free sites we used on the day.
https://lightbot.com/flash.html
https://studio.code.org/s/frozen/stage/1/puzzle/1
For any parents and carers who could not make it, watch the short video to find out what an algorithm is. You will have come across them all the time in every day life. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Da5TOXCwLSg
Year 7 have investigated python coding for the last two weeks, exploring the BBC Micro:Bit and then Code Combat with this new language. Code combat can be accessed through code combat.com/play to continue learning at home.
Excel Spreadsheets
Year 7 have been working on using Microsoft Excel and understanding what a powerful tool it can be. They have inputted their own data and created graphs and charts, and this week used web queries related to their CC topics to import external data to format.
They will wait to see if their web sites have changed next time they log in, as their data and graphs should have reflected those changes.
Year 7 Binary Coding
Year 7 have started to look at Binary and how computers digitise information.
They have practised counting in binary and the binary alphabet to create codes
Spring Term - Movie Making
Year 7 are linking their horror work in English to Computing by creating iMovie trailers for the Anthony Horowitz story "The Man with the Yellow Face".
They have been editing photographs, considering appropriate choices of media and effective text.
The Man with the Yellow face
ICT Mark Award!
Children at Westacre Middle School are at the forefront of using technology to enhance their work, and that’s official!
Following an extensive external assessment we have been awarded the prestigious ICT Mark.
The award recognises the school’s success in developing the strategic use of technology in both administration and across the curriculum. We are delighted to be awarded the ICT Mark. It recognises our positive approach to the use of technology and the benefits it is bringing to our children. We believe that technology can be used in every aspect of learning and that it is essential our children are equipped for the modern world.
In particular, the report praised us for the following:
· A considerable network that includes two Computing suites, iPads and well-resourced classrooms
· The high profile our digital leaders Cyber Council have around school
· Children do more homework as a result of being able to log in at home
· Our school website and Twitter account communicate well with parents
· Much financial investment in hardware and software has been made recently
· A clear strategy for continuing to offer such high-quality provision
· Exceptional subject leadership
· Significant support from headteacher and governors to develop ICT further
· Strong support and training for staff in using technology across the curriculum
· Excellent partnerships and collaborative relationships with local first schools
All the children and staff of our school deserve much credit for this achievement.
Here is a quote from local MP Nigel Huddleston:
“Congratulations to all at Westacre Middle School for being awarded the National ICT Mark. This is recognition of both the school’s excellent ICT provisions and of the hard work of their staff, teachers and pupils. It is important that young people have a solid grasp of modern technology from an early age, and there is no better way to develop this than being in an environment where technology is at the heart of everything, as it is at Westacre. As we look to the future, ICT skills are going to become more and more important and the grounding that Westacre provides will make sure its pupils go on to be ahead of the game.”
This is what Councillor Richard Morris had to say:
“Wychavon Council is determined that all local children will have the best opportunity to excel in the jobs market of the future. Westacre Middle School should be congratulated on this wonderful achievement. This demonstrates the excellent ICT management and teaching that is taking place in local schools. As a past pupil of Westacre myself, I am very proud that the school is doing so well”
