Computing at Downside

Computing at Downside

At Downside Primary School we strive for pupils to gain the knowledge and skills they need to succeed within future education and employment relating to technology. Technology is everywhere and will play a pivotal part in students’ lives in almost every path they choose to take. Therefore, we want to model and educate our pupils on how to use technology positively, responsibly and safely.

The curriculum aims to equip young people with the knowledge, skills and understanding they need to thrive in the digital world of today and the future. The curriculum can be broken down into 3 strands: computer science, information technology and digital literacy, with the aims of the curriculum reflecting this distinction.

We encourage our children to enjoy and value the curriculum we deliver. We will constantly ask the WHY behind their learning and not just the HOW. The implementation of this curriculum ensures that, when children leave Downside Primary School, they are enthusiastic, competent and safe users of technology with an understanding of how it works and why it works in the way that it does. They will have developed skills to express themselves and be equipped to apply their skills in computing to different challenges going forward.

Word of the Month Challenge

November word of the month challenge
Can you create a video, poster or animation online demonstrating the following words or using them correctly? (think about what you have learnt in computing this half term)
KS1 – Technology
KS2 – Networking
Digital Leaders

Our digital leaders at Downside are a group of 10 KS2 pupils from Year 5 and 6. Their role is to support the use of technology, particularly tablets and chrome books, across the school. They take part in a variety of jobs including:

  • Support the use of tablets and computers in school to support learning.
  • Share their skills and expertise with other pupils, classes and teachers.
  • Assist peers and younger pupils in understanding coding applications.
  • Participate in ‘Computing Buddies’ – this is where the digital leaders run fun lunchtime clubs for younger children.
  • Have a good understanding of how to stay safe with technology and share that with others.
  • Attend training sessions with the Computing curriculum team teachers.

Computing Buddies 2023

Computing Buddies 2021-22

Coding club

This term, some KS2 children have enjoyed a weekly after school club run by ‘Jam Coding’.

They have built their own games on ‘Kodu’ using both information technology and computer science skills. The children were able to design their own land and program sprites to race each other.

Recommended Reading for Computing

Click here for a reading list from William Lau

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