Computing at Lainesmead

At Lainesmead, we are preparing learners for their future, understanding how computers have an impact on our daily life as well as the change they have brought to our lives throughout the years.

Computing is introduced in early years to ensure every learner has experience of technology. As learners develop skills, they move away from ‘tiled’ apps and progress on to ‘simple creative’ programs to grasp basic functions of the computer. Once the basics are embedded, learners move onto more complex applications to challenge their creativity and promote independence.

Computing has deep links with many subjects, which is why it is not taught as its own subject at Lainesmead. Classroom teachers plan the computing element of the curriculum to tie in with subject learning to maximise learning outcomes for learners. Learners have the chance to explore computing and programming through a range of different media, allowing them to test and evaluate their plans and outcomes.

Early Years Foundation Stage

Learners explore and use a variety of tiled applications through the use of touch screen devices and explore programming in its simplest form. They have opportunities to learn to:

• Explore a range of different applications
• Respond to a range of media and identify its particular use when selecting a platform to work from
• Use a range of applications to express ideas
• Explore the world through applications.

Key Stage 1

The National Curriculum for Computing aims to ensure that all pupils:

• Understand algorithms and how to implement programs on digital devices
• Create and debug simple programs
• Use logical reasoning to predict behaviour of simple programs
• Use technology purposefully to create, organise, store manipulate and retrieve digital content
• Recognise common uses of information technology beyond school
• Use technology safely and respectfully, keeping personal information private; identify where to go for help and support when they have concerns about content or contact on the Internet or other online technologies.

Key Stage 2

The National Curriculum for Computing aims to ensure that all pupils:

• Design, write and debug programs that accomplish specific goals, including controlling or simulating physical systems; solve problems by decomposing them into smaller parts
• Use sequence, selection, and repetition in programs; work with variables and various forms of input and output
• Use logical reasoning to explain how some simple algorithms work and to detect and correct errors in algorithms and programs
• Understand computer networks, including the internet; how they can provide multiple services, such as the World Wide Web, and the opportunities they offer for communication and collaboration
• Use search technologies effectively, appreciate how results are selected and ranked, and be discerning in evaluating digital content
• Select, use and combine a variety of software (including internet services) on a range of digital devices to design and create a range of programs, systems and content that accomplish given goals, including collecting, analysing, evaluating and presenting data and information
• Use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly; recognise acceptable/unacceptable behaviour; identify a range of ways to report concerns about content and contact.

Recording

Computing is recorded in a range of different ways depending on the type of work being carried out for the task. Learners are encouraged to save all digital working on the school drive in their own folder. Teachers capture practical workings by photograph to evidence the learners’ work and skill.

We are Computer Scientists

Our pupils are budding computer scientists, full of creativity, curiosity, and problem-solving flair. From designing interactive games and coding animations to exploring data and building digital presentations, their computing work showcases impressive skill and imagination. Below are just a few examples that highlight their growing confidence and capability in this exciting subject.

Computer Work Highlights

We are Computer Scientists

Useful Websites

E-safety at the Heart of Computing

E-safety is a core focus of our computing curriculum, ensuring that pupils develop the knowledge and confidence to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly.

Across the academic year, we teach e-safety through eight distinct strands, each designed to build age-appropriate understanding of key topics such as online privacy, cyberbullying, digital footprints, and safe communication. These strands are revisited regularly to reinforce learning and respond to emerging online trends, helping children become thoughtful, respectful, and resilient digital citizens.

Please follow the link below to learn more about our E-safety curriculum at Lainesmead:

E-Safety Curriculum