Portway Infant School
Computing at Portway Infant School
Computing is an integral part of our everyday life and will play an immeasurable part in our children’s futures. At Portway Infant school we provide all of our children with the skills, creativity and enthusiasm to live and thrive in a world increasingly dependent on computing. As computing technology underpins today’s modern lifestyle it is essential that all pupils gain the confidence and ability that they need in this subject, to prepare them for the challenge of a rapidly developing and changing technological world.
A high-quality computing education equips pupils to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world. All members of the school community will contribute to the school’s online presence. Our school website will continue to showcase the excellent work being carried out by our children.
School Equipment
The children have many opportunities to use technology. While all the basic IT skills are covered, e.g. making a simple Word document or using Paint programs, the children’s experience soon develops and so at Portway, children are beginning to program Bee-Bot, use the Internet to research, create simple code and record their own multimedia.
The use of Computing also enhances and extends our children’s learning across the whole curriculum whilst contributing to motivation and the development of social skills.
We also value the use of our portable technology in our outdoor learning such as our Forest School area.
At present, each classroom contains at least three networked Chromebooks, a laptop and a teacher’s PC linked to the interactive whiteboard. There are also 9 IPads available in each Year group. Every computer in the school is linked to the school’s filtered broadband connection.
Each child can access the Internet and use the World Wide Web in a safe and respectful way. They will understand the necessary precautions to take, to stay safe and know where to seek help. No child will feel threatened or unsafe whilst online at school or at home. For more information on E-safety within the school use the link below. We also provide a rich bank of curriculum-based resources for children and parents to access at home through the use of Google Classroom.
Curriculum Map
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Autumn 1 |
Autumn 2
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Spring 1 |
Spring 2 |
Summer 1 |
Summer 2 |
Year 1 | Programming: Algorithms Debugging Bee-Bot
Computer skills: Switch on and shut down Using a mouse Using a trackpad
| Programming: Algorithms Debugging Bee-Bot
Introduction to data: 2Graph data collection 2 Simple software
| Online Safety: Health, well-being and Lifestyle
Computer Skills: Castle information research using search engines Elf-tales
Digital Literacy: Recording news reports for Dragon Hunter | Online Safety: Online relationships Yr 1
Computer Skills: Space information research using search engines
Digital Literacy: Filming space dance and analysing footage | Online Safety: Privacy and Security Yr 1
Computer Skills: Capital City information research using search engines
| Online Safety: Self-image and Identity Using technology
Data: Fruit kebab data collection – 2Graph
Computer Skills: Researching Deadly 60 animals E-mail to Steve Backshall
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Year 2 | Online Safety: Health, well-being and Lifestyle Yr 2
Using the Internet: Using the search bar for research Blogging
| Online Safety: Online relationships Yr 2
Programming: Algorithms Debugging Lightbot Using the Internet: Blogging | Online Safety: Privacy and Security Yr 2
Computer Skills: Magic Grandad Great Fire of London research using search engines
Using the Internet: Blogging | Online Safety: Self-image and Identity Using technology Yr 2
Using the Internet: Blogging
| Programming: Algorithm sequences on a computer game Code-It
Using the Internet: Blogging | Using the Internet: Blogging |
Glossary
Algorithm - An algorithm is a set of instructions that we complete in order to achieve a task. In computing an algorithm refers to the set of instructions that a computer follows in the order in which they are given.
Binary - Binary is the language computers use. It is a series of 1s and 0s and is also used in mathematics.
Coding - Coding is putting information and commands into a program, making it possible for u to create software, apps and websites.
Communication Technology - Equipment that we use to communicate with, such as a mobile phone or tablet.
Computational thinking - Computational thinking is a term that describes the decision-making progress used in programming and writing algorithms.
Data - Data is Information.
Debug - Debugging is checking the code in a computer program to ensure it works, and changing it if it doesn’t. When writing a computer program things will often go wrong. When writing a program you have to test and debug your program to ensure that it produces correct results.
Hardware - Hardware is the physical part of a computer, which uses electrical signals to complete the calculations needed to make software run. Examples of hardware are the computer circuit board, memory, processor and/or other equipment related to a computer, such as printers, monitors and keyboards.
Information Technology - A term used for all computer-related technology.
Input - Information that goes into the computer.
Internet - A network of computers linked all over the world.
Network - Computers linked within a building or area.
Output - Information that comes out of the computer.
Program - A computer program is a collection of instructions or algorithms designed to simplify processes, whether that be writing a Word document or connecting to a website.
Variable - A variable is a piece of information in a program that we want to store, but is able to change. We can compare it to a box in which we put information. This information could be a number, and during the program we might change the initial number (for example as part of the scoring system in a game).
Click here to visit our E-Safety page
Resources