Computing Statement of Intent for CMS

At Chantry Middle School we believe that Computing and the use of ICT is central to the education of all students. We aim to give each student the opportunity to apply and develop their technological understanding and skills across a wide range of situations and tasks. Pupils are encouraged to develop a confident and safe approach to Computing and the use of ICT, with the understanding of the capabilities and flexibility of their resources. With the knowledge that Computing and ICT will undoubtedly continue to form a major part in the children’s life at home, in further education and places of work, we ensure the Computing and ICT experiences and abilities that the pupils are equipped with at Chantry, are effective and transferable life skills.

Our Computing department intent aims to ensure that all pupils: 

  • have opportunities to apply and develop their technological understanding and skills across a wide range of situations and tasks. 
  • develop a confident and safe approach to Computing and the use of ICT, with the understanding of the capabilities and flexibility of their resources.
  • appreciate that Computing and ICT will undoubtedly continue to form a major part of life at home, in further education and places of work,


Curriculum across the year

Pupils receive one hour of Computing and ICT per week in all year groups. 

KS2

Year 5 Autumn Introduction to systems and spreadsheet modelling

  • Working offline and online. Network & Google Workspace logins including Google Classroom
  • Expectations when using facilities & First School experiences
  • E-safety basics & Acceptable Use Policy
  • Graphical modelling
  • Introduction to spreadsheet modelling
Spring Introduction to databases and programming

  • Introduction to flat file databases
  • Introduction algorithms and block-based coding using Scratch
Summer Introduction to flowcharts, text based coding and e-safety

  • Introduction to programming using flowcharts
  • Introduction to text based coding for robots
  • E-safety and Google Internet Legends

 

Year 6 Autumn Intermediate level spreadsheet models and introducing three-dimensional design

  • Spreadsheet functions
  • Financial models
  • Three-dimensional design
  • Creating and modifying three-dimensional objects
Spring Programming and algorithms using flowcharts and virtual robotics using a block based editor

  • Multiple outputs
  • Decisions and subroutines
  • Create and use variables
  • Use sensors, pen features and an electromagnet on a virtual robot

 
Summer Physical Computing & introducing the BBC Micro:bit

  • Interactive badges
  • Compatibility checker

KS3

Year 7 Autumn Spreadsheets & introduction to text based programming using Python

  • Absolute & relative addressing
  • Charts & graphs
  • Python introduction – Turtle graphics
Spring Databases, hardware & software

  • Crime scenarios, search criteria and Boolean operators
  • Hardware devices
  • Application & utility software
Summer Python & intermediate BBC Micro:bit

  • Using Python code with the BBC Micro:bit
  • Sequences, Selection Variables & Iteration
  • Accelerometer

 

Year 8 Autumn Advanced spreadsheets and code breaking

  • Graphical representations of data
  • Cryptography: Encryption, decryption
  • Ciphers
  • Binary numbers
  • Numbers, arithmetic & data types
  • Selection
Spring Advanced Python (some)

  • Python introduction – Turtle graphics (this cohort didn’t do this in Y7)
  • Writing algorithms
  • While loops
Summer Web development & games creation

  • HTML code
  • Navigation, landscapes & objects
  • Pathing & interaction with objects
  • Clones & creatables
  • Responding to behaviours
  • Power ups, timers, health and sound

Websites 

KS2 Computing BBC Bitesize
KS2 Information Technology BBC Bitesize
KS2 Digital Literacy BBC Bitesize
KS3 Computer Science BBC Bitesize
KS3 ICT BBC Bitesize


Homework

Computing homework is set to provide opportunities for pupils to consolidate learning, deepen understanding and give opportunities to practise and develop skills ensuring students’ progress and raising achievement.


Policies 

E-safety Policy


Recommended reading lists

Recommended reads for Computing


Helpful resources for learning

Google Classroom (all students are automatically members of their Computing Google Classroom) 


Parent Info

Safer Internet Centre resources for parents and carers


Assessments

All assessments in Computing are electronic, pupils will also receive ongoing teacher feedback to support their learning.