We believe that 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, or coding, 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.  We use a programme of study called ’Switched on Computing’, with creative and inspiring projects that  enable us to be confident that we are  covering all aspects of the computing programme of study, alongside embedding a thorough e-safety curriculum throughout the school.

Gunter Primary School's syllabus for computing is based on the National Curriculum, (see below). We use a published scheme throughout Key Stage 1 and 2 - 'Switched On Computing'. This covers the essential elements required for teaching the subject; and we supplement this work by applying computing and ICT skills across the curriculum, (e.g. data collection when studying the weather, use of spreadsheets in mathematics.....).

 

Year 1

Unit 1.1
We are treasure hunters.
[Using programmable toys]
Focus - Programming

Unit 1.6
We are celebrating
[Creating a card electronically]
Focus - Productivity

Unit 1.2
We are TV chefs
[Filming a recipe]
Focus - Computational thinking

Unit 1.3
We are painters
[Illustrating an ebook]
Focus - Creativity

Unit 1.4
We are collectors
[Finding images using the web]
Focus - Computer networks

Unit 1.5
We are storytellers
[Producing a talking book]
Focus - Communication/Collaboration

 

Year 2

Unit 2.2
We are games testers
[Exploring how computer games work]
Focus - Computational thinking

Unit 2.5
We are detectives
[Communicating clues]
Focus - Communication/collaboration

Unit 2.1
We are astronauts
[Programming on screen]
Focus - Programming

Unit 2.4
We are researchers
[Researching a topic]
Focus - Computer networks

Unit 2.3
We are photographers
[Taking, selecting & editing images]
Focus - Creativity

Unit 2.6
We are zoologists
[Recording bug hunt data]
Focus - Productivity

 

Year 3

Unit 3.1
We are programmers
[Programming an animation]
Focus - Programming

Unit 3.2
We are bug fixers
[Find and correct bugs in programs]
Focus - Computational thinking

Unit 3.3
We are presenters
[Shooting and editing video]
Focus - Creativity

Unit 3.4
We are network engineers
[Find out how the school network works]
Focus - Computer networksUnit 3.5
We are communicators
[Email and teleconference]
Focus - Communication/collaboration

Unit 3.6
We are opinion polsters
[Survey & analyse the results]
Focus - Productivity

 

Year 4

Unit 4.1
We are software developers
[Develop an educational game]
Focus - Programming

Unit 4.2
We are toy makers
[Creating an interactive toy]
Focus - Computational thinking

Unit 4.3
We are musicians
[Producing digital music]
Focus - Creativity

Unit 4.4
We are html editors
[Editing and writing html]
Focus - Computer networks

Unit 4.5
We are co-authors
[Producing a wiki]
Focus - Communication/collaboration

Unit 4.6
We are meteorologists
[Record & analyse weather data]
Focus - Productivity

 

Year 5

Unit 5.1
We are game developers
[Developing an interactive game]
Focus - Programming

Unit 5.2
We are cryptographers
[Cracking codes]
Focus - Computational thinking

Unit 5.3
We are artists
[Creating geometrical art]
Focus - Creativity

Unit 5.4
We are web developers
[Creating an e-safety website]
Focus - Computer networks

Unit 5.5
We are bloggers
[Create and write a web log]
Focus - Communication/collaboration

Unit 5.6
We are architects
[Creating a virtual space]
Focus - Productivity

 

Year 6

Unit 6.1
We are app planners
[Planning a mobile app]
Focus - Computer networks

Unit 6.2
We are project managers
[Develop project management skills]
Focus - Computational thinking

Unit 6.3
We are market researchers
[Researching the app market]
Focus - Productivity

Unit 6.4
We are interface designers
[Design an interface for an app]
Focus - Communication/collaboration

Unit 6.5
We are mobile app developers
[Develop a mobile phone app]
Focus - Programming

Unit 6.6
We are marketeers
[Create video and web copy]
Focus - Creativity

The scheme consists of a Teacher's Book detailing each unit, (including assessment guidance and e-safety); a CD-ROM with resources; classroom posters.

There is a website offering some further ideas (see link below).

 

The previous National Curriculum had a number of units developed by QCA, which may sometimes be useful:

 

Foundation

Show an interest in ICT. Know how to operate simple equipment. Complete a simple program on the computer and/or perform simple functions on ICT apparatus. Find out about and identify the uses of everyday technology and use information and communication technology and programmable toys to support their learning.

 

Year 1

Unit 1A: An introduction to modelling

Unit 1C: The information around us

Unit 1B: Using a word bank

Unit 1D: Labelling and classifying

Unit 1E: Representing information graphically: pictograms

Unit 1F: Understanding instructions and making things happen

Year 2

Unit 2e: Finding information

Unit 2C: Finding information

Unit 2B: Creating pictures

Unit 2D: Routes: controlling a floor turtle

Unit 2A: Writing stories: communicating information using text

 

Year 3

Unit 3D: Exploring simulations

Unit 3B: Manipulating sound

Unit 3C: Introduction to databases

Unit 3A: Combining text and graphics

Unit 3E: E-mail

Year 4

Unit 4A: Writing for different audiences

Unit 4B: Developing images using repeating patterns

Unit 4C: Branching databases

Unit 4D: Collecting and presenting info: questionnaires & pie charts

Unit 4E: Modelling effects on screen

Year 5

Unit 5D: Introduction to spreadsheets

Unit 5E: Controlling devices

Unit 5B: Analysing data & ask questions: complex searches

Unit 5C: Evaluate info., check accuracy & question plausibility

Unit 5A: Graphical modelling

Unit 5F: Monitoring the environment

Year 6

Unit 6A: Multimedia presentation

Unit 6B: Spreadsheet modelling

Unit 6C: Control and monitoring - What happens when...?