3-7 Years
- File management, Internet safety, Emailing and Word processing
- Presentations, handling data and graphics
- Programming: Using LOGO to control a screen turtle to draw complex patterns using just a few lines of code
- Scratch and ProBots
St Faith's Prep
Computing
Computing combines logic and creativity in problem-solving, while also enabling competence and confidence in the use of developing technologies.
Highlights of our Computing curriculum include:
Year 3
Year 4
- File management, Internet safety, word processing and emailing: attachments and multiple recipients
- Presentation skills, desktop publishing and handling data
- Graphics and Programming: Pupils use Scratch and ProBots, robotic floor toys with programmable sensors that link in with their understanding of angles in maths.
Year 5
- Binary: counting, converting, ASCII, bitmaps
- Programming: Pupils write their own games in Scratch and share them so that other can view the code and leave feedback
- Robotics: Lego WeDo
- Cryptography
- Graphics: GIMP
- E-safety
Year 6
- Binary: addition, multiplication, subtraction, division
- Robotics: Lego SPIKE Prime
- 3D Graphics
- The Internet
- Fractals
- Scratch and Raspberry Pis: Pupils program Raspberry Pis to switch lights on and off and control buzzers and switches
- Programming: Python
- Web design: KompoZer
- E-safety
Year 7
- Number bases: binary fractions, bases 2-9, bases 11-16, hexadecimal
- Flowcharts
- Programming: Python
- AI and expert systems
- History of Computing
- Computer systems
- Robotics: Lego SPIKE Prime. Pupils program robots to use sensors to interact with their environment.
- Programming: HTML
- E-safety
Year 8
- Binary: Negative numbers
- Programming: Python turtle. Pupils write their own text adventure games using Python.
- Algorithms: bubble sort, shuttle sort, quicksort, linear search, binary search
- Reverse Polish
- Binary trees and Boolean logic
- Networks
- E-safety
In computing we aim to ensure that children learn not only how to code, but also how computers work and how computational thinking can be applied to solve problems. As pupils move through the school, they encounter programming, robotics, physical computing and core Computer Science concepts including binary, algorithms and logical thinking. The curriculum is designed to build knowledge gradually, with children applying ideas in increasingly challenging contexts.
A notable feature of the curriculum is the amount of hands-on physical computing. From robotics to programmable devices and sensors, pupils have regular opportunities to see their code controlling and interacting with the real world. This complements their study of Python and other Computer Science topics, creating a balanced curriculum that develops creativity, problem-solving and technical understanding. Alongside this, pupils continue to develop the digital skills needed to work confidently, responsibly and effectively with technology, preparing them for both further study and an increasingly digital world.
Nicholas Gray
Head of Computing and Digital Literacy