"Access to computers and the internet has become a basic need for education in our society". Kent Conrad

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.

National Curriculum 2014

The Importance of Computing at Woodside Academy:

At Woodside, Computing is a crucial part of our curriculum. In a world where technology is at the heart of our everyday lives, it is important that we provide our children with the skills and knowledge to use all elements of computing safely, but also productively to assist in their learning from and beyond the classroom. We want to ensure that children are aware of the endless possibilities that technology provides us with but also that they are aware of how to deal with situations that present themselves in the online world. It is important to enhance children’s digital literacy so that they can use information and communication technologies to create, evaluate and communicate information. Computing is a life long skill that we want our children to be able to apply to their everyday lives and use to enhance their access to opportunities in the wider world.

Computing in EYFS

Computing in EYFS is centred around play-based, unplugged activities that focus on building pupils’ listening skills, curiosity, creativity and problem solving. Children are able to play games on the interactive whiteboard or on iPads, use a BeeBot, take photos/videos and make music on the iPads.

Computing in key stages 1 and 2

Every child in key stage 1 and 2 has a timetabled computing lesson each week. These lessons consist of written work in the classroom, using the Chromebooks or accessing the computer room. We have the use of the iCompute software which allows us to apply our computing knowledge and skills to a range of different programmes.

Cultural Capital

The computing curriculum from EYFS through to key stage 2 allows the to children to explore technology in a safe and often child-led way developing a familiarity with equipment and vocabulary. Throughout the academy there are opportunities for pupils to identify technology and how its responsible use improves our world in school and beyond.

Children's learning

The children's learning in computing lessons are recorded once a week in a class floorbook. Please find below some examples of the children's work in computing: