Computing

At Calder Primary School, we recognise that children are living within an increasingly technological world and aim to provide them with the vital skills and knowledge to be confident in this area. We ensure that children are exposed to a progressive computing curriculum in which they can demonstrate an understanding of the skills, knowledge and vocabulary relevant to their age that additionally allows them to revisit the skills and knowledge they have learned through their prior years.

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 as active participants in a digital world. Pupils are also taught about online safety, how to know which sources of information they can trust and what to do if they need help. Our Curriculum plans run from Key Stage 1 to Key Stage 4, building on skills and developing progression. 

We have a class set of Chromebooks and a class set of laptops as well as access to the computing rooms at Calder High School. Classrooms are equipped with smartboards, projectors and ipads.  Pupils also have the opportunity to apply their computing skills across other subjects for example researching and presenting information in a variety of ways.

Within the Early Years, children are provided with early experiences of technology through having opportunities to handle technology purposefully such as; BeeBots, iPads, interactive whiteboard and having access to simple programmes on computers. They learn about writing and following simple system commands, for example to navigate an obstacle course.