Why do we learn computing?
The Ark John Archer Computing Curriculum acknowledges that computational devices and software are a part of everyday life and that civilised society is becoming increasingly reliant on technology to guide practice and developments. The curriculum is designed therefore to equip pupils with the computational thinking, knowledge and understanding required to be successful in the future workplace; participate effectively in an ever-changing digital world; address challenges and opportunities offered by the technologically rich world in which we live; become active innovators and critical thinkers in the digital age.
Our approach
The curriculum has been developed to focus and build on three core areas; programming, coding and e-safety with a careful and consistent progression of skills and knowledge that allows the pupil to make the necessary connections to piece their learning together throughout their learning journey. As children progress through the Computing Curriculum, explicit links and connections are made to support pupils to continually build upon the knowledge and skills they have accumulated in previous year groups.
The sequence of learning builds pupils’ understanding of how computers and a range of computational systems work, and how they are designed and programmed. Pupils learn to design and build their own programs and develop their ideas using a range of technology; creating, evaluating and refining content designed for a variety of purposes and audiences. As pupils grow in competency and begin to think computationally, they are better able to conceptualise, understand and use computer-based technology. They feel empowered to draw upon familiar and unfamiliar software and technology to solve problems and design systems with increasing confidence, while recognising the power and limits of both human and machine intelligence. The ideas of computing are applied to understanding real-world systems and creating purposeful products; invention, creativity and resourcefulness are all encouraged.
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Year 1
| Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 |
|---|---|
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Pupils learn to design and illustrate an e-book to represent a traditional tale. They explore the impact of their online activities on others |
Pupils learn to program a talking e-book, using the adventures of Traction Man and toys through history as stimulus for their characters’ actions. |
| Spring 1 | Spring 2 |
|---|---|
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Coding: We are treasure hunters Pupils learn to program a toy to move in different directions, as they complete a mission to locate treasure |
Coding: We are treasure hunters Pupils learn to program a toy to move in different directions, as they complete a mission to locate treasure. |
| Summer 1 | Summer 2 |
|---|---|
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E-Safety: Pupils create a set of rules for staying safe online. They consider how to be kind, thoughtful and responsible when using the internet. |
E-Safety: Pupils learn how to be safe and responsible internet users, protecting personal information and communicating respectfully online. |
All Year 1 subjects Next Year 1 Subject - Modern Foreign Languages
Year 2
| Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 |
|---|---|
| Pupils learn how to create simple algorithms to program an avatar. They explore the importance of creating strong passwords to be secure online. | Pupils learn how to frame and capture photographs using devices. They learn how to edit and crop images for different purposes and audiences. |
| Spring 1 | Spring 2 |
|---|---|
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We are researchers Pupils learn skills to research information on the internet. They develop presentation skills by creating a Powerpoint. |
We are researchers Pupils learn skills to research information on the internet. They develop presentation skills by creating a Powerpoint. |
| Summer 1 | Summer 2 |
|---|---|
|
E-Safety: Pupils create rules for staying safe online, considering behaviours for gaming, how to be safe searchers, how to avoid online bullies. |
E-Safety: Pupils explore how online behaviour can lead to both positive and negative consequences, learning the best ways to behave online. |
All Year 2 subjects Next Year 2 Subject - Modern Foreign Languages
Year 3
| Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 |
|---|---|
| Pupils learn the skills to video performances and presentations in order to share key information. They explore how online bullying can occur and how to approach and combat this. | Pupils learn to plan, film and share a short screencast presentation that draws upon their knowledge of key events in History. |
| Spring 1 | Spring 2 |
|---|---|
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Coding: Pupils learn how to design, write and debug programs that accomplish set goals. They use sequence, repetition and various inputs. |
Coding: Pupils learn how to design, write and debug programs that accomplish set goals. They use sequence, repetition and various inputs |
| Summer 1 | Summer 2 |
|---|---|
|
E-Safety: Pupils learn how to explore the internet safely with an awareness of their own digital footprint and the appearance of others online. |
E-Safety: Pupils learn how to explore the internet safely with an awareness of their own digital footprint and the appearance of others online. |
All Year 3 subjects Next Year 3 Subject - Modern Foreign Languages
Year 4
| Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 |
|---|---|
|
Pupils learn to develop an educational game or app, consider how best to engage and interact with their audience digitally. They explore digital rights and responsibilities and how to respect these to protect everyone. |
Pupils learn to create, program, produce and record digital music. They discover how to share this safely, considering their digital footprint |
| Spring 1 | Spring 2 |
|---|---|
|
Coding: Pupils learn how to design, write and debug programs to accomplish set goals, using sequences, repetition, and various forms of input. |
Coding: Pupils learn how to design, write and debug programs to accomplish set goals, using sequences, repetition, and various forms of input. |
| Summer 1 | Summer 2 |
|---|---|
|
E-Safety: Pupils learn to manage what they share online. They consider how their digital footprint can last forever and how to respect others. |
E-Safety: Pupils explore potential risks, learning to respect the digital rights of others and to take care when talking to with virtual friends. |
All Year 4 subjects Next Year 4 Subject - Modern Foreign Languages
Year 5
| Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 |
|---|---|
|
Pupils learn to develop and program interactive games or apps, considering how best to attract, engage and entertain an audience. They explore how to protect money and funds online. |
Pupils learn the skills to design, create and share a virtual space for a specific audience, such as a website or app. They consider the purpose/use. |
| Spring 1 | Spring 2 |
|---|---|
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Coding: Pupils learn how to encrypt and decrypt messages in simple ciphers. They use logical reasoning to explain how simple algorithms work. |
Coding: Pupils learn how to encrypt and decrypt messages in simple ciphers. They use logical reasoning to explain how simple algorithms work. |
| Summer 1 | Summer 2 |
|---|---|
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E-Safety: Pupils consider how to manage and protect their online presence and reputation. They learn about copyright and respect for others. |
E-Safety: Pupils consider how to manage and protect their online presence and reputation. They learn about copyright and respect for others |
All Year 5 subjects Next Year 5 Subject - Modern Foreign Languages
Year 6
| Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 |
|---|---|
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Pupils learn to create and develop a television advert, considering how to attract, entertain and engage an audience. They explore how to respect others’ personal information online. |
Pupils learn to design and create an online game with an audience in mind. They discover, analyse and include crucial online safety elements. |
| Spring 1 | Spring 2 |
|---|---|
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Python: Pupils learn to design, write and debug programs that accomplish specific goals. They use sequencing, repetition and selection. |
Python: Pupils learn to design, write and debug programs that accomplish specific goals. They use sequencing, repetition and selection. |
| Summer 1 | Summer 2 |
|---|---|
|
E-Safety: Pupils learn how to protect their online presence and reputation. They learn about safe social networking and respect for others. |
E-Safety: Pupils learn how to protect their online presence and reputation. They learn about safe social networking and how to respect others. |
All Year 6 subjects Next Year 6 Subject - Modern Foreign Languages