Computing at Diamond Wood

At Diamond Wood Community Academy we will provide children with rich, vocabulary based and ‘hands on’ Computing and Technology curriculum. We aim to prepare our pupils for the digital world.

At Diamond Wood Community Academy we understand that technology is changing the lives of everyone. Through teaching computing we equip our children to participate in a rapidly changing world where work and leisure activities are increasingly transformed by technology. We believe that computing skills are a major factor in enabling children to be confident, creative and independent learners and it is our intention that children have every opportunity available to allow them to achieve this. Click here to read our full computing Vision and Intent statement.

A high-quality computing education equips pupils to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world. Computing has deep links within mathematics, science and design and technology, and provides insights into both natural and artificial systems. The core of computing is computer science, in which pupils are taught the principles of information and computation, how digital systems work and how to put this knowledge to use through programming. Building on this knowledge and understanding, pupils are equipped to use information technology to create programs, systems, and a range of content. Computing also ensures that pupils become digitally literate – able to use, and express themselves and develop their ideas through, information and communication technology – at a level suitable for the future workplace and as active participants in a digital world.
National Curriculum 2014

Position Statement

We are constantly striving to improve our Computing Curriculum in order to ensure our intended and implemented teaching and learning opportunities have the maximum impact upon pupil outcomes.

Click here to read our position statement and find out about our areas for development this year.

Computing Timetable

Here at Diamond Wood, we teach Computing as a discrete subject in Years 1 and 2 (Key Stage 1). The pupils participate in weekly lesson.

In Nursery and Reception (EYFS) pupils have at least three dedicated key worker sessions or inputs focusing specifically on computing each half term. During each half term, additional opportunities for children to develop and consolidate their learning are provided during their continuous and enhanced provision time, both indoors and outdoors.

Computing Leader

Our Computing Leader is Miss Harrison. She is also a Year 2 teacher and is very passionate about providing high quality computing learning experiences for all pupils.

If you would like to speak to Miss Harrison, email office@diamondwoodacademy.co.uk and address the email to her specifically.

Our Approach

At Diamond Wood Community Academy, we take pride in providing our children with a broad and balanced computing curriculum. As a school, we have taken the decision to invest in and implement the ‘Purple Mash’ computing scheme of work.

Purple Mash is a progressive scheme, which ensures that learning from the previous year is built on and extended in a fun, engaging, and diverse manner. The scheme uses high-quality interactive resources as well as providing meaningful ‘unplugged’ activities.

Click here to read our rationale for adopting the Purple Mash scheme of work.

Computing Policy

We have developed and produced a Computing Policy to ensure our values are applied consistently, define clear expectations, and help provide a framework for staff and pupils alike.

Please click here to view our Computing Curriculum policy which has been updated for the academic year 2024-2025.

Statutory Requirements

The National Curriculum for Computing sets out the statutory guidance for teaching computing to KS1 pupils. Our computing curriculum has been designed to ensure children learn the required knowledge and skills set out by the National Curriculum for computing.

To view the statutory guidance for computing click here.

The Early Years Foundation Stage framework provides guidance for teachers focusing on developing children's technological and computing skills within the Early Years (Nursery and Reception). The main areas for learning which are focused upon to provide the building blocks for future 'computing' learning are as follows;

Personal, Social and Emotional development
Physical Development
Understanding the World
Exploring Arts and Design

For more information on how these areas of learning have been built into our computing curriculum please see our progression map below.

Our Computing Long Term Plan

To download this as a document please click here.

Substantive and Disciplinary Concepts

To download this as a document please click here.

What is meant by Computer Science, Information Technology and Digital Literacy?

Computing Progression Map

Our computing curriculum progression map has been designed to show how we intend to teach our pupils the substantive, procedural and vocabulary knowledge we aim for them to learn, know, remember and do by the end of their time with us here at Diamond Wood.

In designing this progression map we have consulted with our local feeder schools and settings in order to ensure our pupils experiences before and after coming to our school allow for progression of knowledge and skills to be built upon and continue.

The progression map allows all staff and key stakeholders in school to have a secure understanding of end of year expectations for all year groups.

In addition to using the progression map to guide teaching and learning, our computing subject leader creates half termly Medium Term Plans for all year groups. These plans clearly outline the sequence of teaching and learning which will take place during the particular unit of work (or planned opportunities in Nursery and Reception). This supports our educators in ensuring consistency in approach, opportunity and delivery across school, where we have four classes per year group.

The subject leader also creates and sources high quality resources which support the teaching and learning taking place. Our smartboard lesson aids provide additional planning notes and activity resources which can be accessed by any adults delivering lessons. This supports the continued professional development of our Educational Teaching Assistants, Cover Supervisors and also any supply teachers who work within school. Again, this ensures our high expectations are consistent across school at all times.

To view our computing curriculum progression map please click here.

Key Vocabulary

At Diamond Wood Community Academy, we recognise the crucial role that vocabulary plays in pupils’ learning and academic success. As such, we have developed a vocabulary progression map for each subject curriculum to ensure that all our pupils have a strong foundation in subject-specific vocabulary.

Vocabulary is the foundation upon which pupils build their understanding of different subjects. Tier 3 words, which are subject-specific terms, play a particularly significant role in deepening pupils’ knowledge and enabling them to access complex concepts effectively. By explicitly teaching and reinforcing Tier 3 words within each subject, we aim to:

Enhance pupils’ comprehension and communication skills.
Enable pupils to express themselves accurately and confidently in subject-specific contexts.
Facilitate pupils’ ability to independently access and understand subject materials.
Support pupils’ critical thinking by developing their subject-specific knowledge and expertise.
Improve pupils’ overall academic performance and raise attainment levels.

To view our Computing Key Vocabulary Glossary please click here.

Learn to Speak like a Computing Expert...

Online Safety

Here at Diamond Wood Community Academy, we understand that schools have a dual responsibility when it comes to e-safety:

To ensure that our online procedures keep children and young people safe.
To teach them about online safety, in and outside of school.

For information about our procedures please see our dedicated Online Safety page in the 'about us' section of this website.

How is online safety taught at our school?

In addition to our Computing Curriculum, we teach online safety through our Personal Development Curriculum.

Online Safety is covered in all three aspects of our Personal Development curriculum which focuses on the following key concepts:

Relationships
Health and Wellbeing
Living in the Wider World

Click here to view our Online Safety Curriculum Overview.

Our Online Safety Rules Poster is introduced to all pupils in school and provides a visual reminder of ways to keep safe.

Click here to download a copy of it.

Developing SMSC within our Computing Curriculum

Spiritual Development:

Purposeful use of technology: We encourage children to use technology creatively, fostering their imagination, and self-expression. Activities such as designing digital artworks and creating stories on coding platforms enable children to explore their spiritual and imaginative capabilities.

Moral Development:

Digital Citizenship: We promote responsible and ethical use of technology, teaching children about rules, etiquette, and issues concerning online safety and security. Through discussions, presentations, and collaborative activities, we help children develop a strong moral compass when engaging with digital platforms.

Social Development:

Collaborative Projects: Our computing lessons include group projects that require children to work together, fostering communication, teamwork, and the ability to listen to others' ideas. This encourages empathy, respect, and understanding of different perspectives.

Cultural Development:

Understanding Cultural Influence on Technology: We build firm foundations, enabling pupils to be ready to begin to explore how different cultures have contributed to the development of technology, promoting empathy and appreciation for diverse cultural backgrounds.

Developing the Protected Characteristics within our Computing Curriculum

Inclusive Lesson Materials:

Our computing lessons include a wide range of resources, images, and stories that represent individuals with diverse backgrounds, abilities, and characteristics. This helps raise awareness and promote inclusivity in the classroom.

Appreciating Individual Talents:

We provide opportunities for children to showcase their skills and abilities through digital projects. By valuing individual talents, we encourage inclusivity and celebrate diversity.

Developing British Values within our Computing Curriculum

Respect for the Rule of Law:

We regularly discuss the importance of following rules and laws in the digital world. We teach children about digital rights, copyright, and responsible use of online platforms.

Mutual Respect and Tolerance:

Through group work, discussions, and online collaboration, we promote mutual respect, tolerance, and understanding of different ideas, beliefs, and cultures.

Democracy and Active Citizenship:

We encourage children to collaborate and make decisions together during digital projects, providing opportunities for them to engage in democratic processes and share their opinions respectfully.

Additional Opportunities: Accessing Purple Mash at home

Each child has the opportunity to access to Purple Mash at home, opening up a whole world of fun and exciting learning opportunities in one safe online space. Families are provided with a comprehensive suite of online learning tools and content, designed for children from aged, both in the classroom and at home. Purple Mash supports learning through its resources, games and creative tools, tailored to our school curriculum; everything from core subjects such as maths, reading, writing and phonics, to all the other topics learnt in school.

How you can support your child:
To begin with, it’s a good idea to log in to Purple Mash with your child’s login and familiarise yourself with the menu icons and key areas of the site. You can also explore the parents’ area on the 2Simple website which explains the powerful learning benefits of Purple Mash beyond the classroom all in under 3 minutes, including the parent portal which our school has enabled.