Computing

Our Vision

At Co-op Academy Nightingale, our computing vision is to cultivate confident, responsible, and digitally literate pupils ready to navigate an increasingly digital world. Through structured lessons, supported by the resources from the NCCE Teach Computing, and the use of a well-sequenced curriculum, we aim for pupils to master essential skills across a variety of platforms and applications. From word processing to understanding databases, spreadsheets, and navigating the online environment around them, pupils will build a strong foundation in digital literacy.

Safety is a priority; we teach pupils how to use technology securely, understand online risks, and manage their digital footprint responsibly. Our approach prepares each child for future phases of learning, instilling a clear understanding of how computing skills link to broader career opportunities, encouraging them to explore and harness the potential of technology in meaningful ways. Through engaging, accessible instruction, pupils leave Co-op Academy Nightingale with the skills, curiosity, and confidence to contribute thoughtfully to our digital society.

We emphasise computing literacy and safety - skills that can be carried throughout the pupils’ personal and professional lives, we see the ultimate computing value as ‘Empowering Life’ in the context of modern technology. We aim to prepare our children for the future and the use of tools in their careers, personal life and citizenship.

We ensure that each pupil has access to safe, appropriate and effective learning equipment. Pupils from Year 4-6 have personal Chromebooks, access to a full Google Suite account, and a variety of other online resources that can aid with fluency of technology. Teaching alongside our physical resources, digital aids from organisations such as NSPCC, and continuing to use TLAC strategies.

A plethora of skills are taught to the pupils from KS1, through to UKS2. The method and exposure to the individual skills are progressive in nature. These skills are found in line with the National Curriculum, and include:

Typing using physical and digital keyboards.
Debugging of problems
Abilities to store, retrieve, and edit work
Understanding and engineering basic programs
Using technology safely, recognising threats and anti-social behaviour.

We know that key skills are important and practise of these is vital for our pupils. Accordingly we plan in opportunities to cover these specific key skills. Progression Document of Key Skills

Computing – EYFS

In Reception, pupils will develop their knowledge and understanding of technology in everyday life.

They will be introduced to different types of technology in school, such as Ipads, laptops, phones, microwaves etc. Pupils will be encouraged to use technology to develop their painting skills and will explore using a camera to take photos and videos. They will also build on their understanding on how technology is used within the wider world, especially around people who help us.

All pupils will:

Know how to operate simple equipment, e.g. turns on CD player and uses remote control
Show an interest in technological toys with knobs or pulleys, or real objects such as cameras or mobile phones
Show skill in making toys work by pressing parts or lifting flaps to achieve effects such as sound, movements or new images
Know that information can be retrieved from computers
Complete a simple program on a computer
Use ICT hardware to interact with age-appropriate computer software
Recognise that a range of technology is used in places such as homes and schools. They will select and use technology for particular purposes

Early Learning Goal:

Children recognise that a range of technology is used in places such as homes and schools.
They select and use technology for particular reasons.

Activities:

Children to have access to different types of technology in the classroom.
Children to use Mini Mash/Purple Mash in different ways.
Use Simple City resources to talk to children about how technology is used by people in different ways.

Learning Objectives:

Use the interactive white board like a big painting easel to explore all the painting tools and their effects using your fingers to paint with.
Use the drag and drop activities in Simple city to create and make your own environments on the whiteboard.
Use the PC to explore using the mouse to move things around on the screen and use the keyboard to become familiar with the using the keys.
Use a tablet/iPad to take your own photos for Mashcams, explore using the camera on the tablet and making your own Mashcams.
Use the tablet to drag and drop the pieces into place on Mini Mash jigsaws.
Talk to the children about how they use different technology in school.
Talk to children about how farmers, builders, gardeners, doctors and mechanics use technology