How we build champion digital engineers at Blackhorse

At Blackhorse, a 'digital engineer' (confident user of technology) can explain computer systems and how networks communicate; can create and manipulate media; can manage data and information; and can master basic computer programming. Each of these themes is taught every year so that children progressively develop these skills over time. Computing is taught fortnightly (3 sessions minimum a term) to ensure objectives for that unit are taught.

Termly overview:

Our 'learning ingredients' in Computing:

Extensive Opportunities: We provide children with extensive opportunties to develop their understanding of computers and computer systems. Physical computing plays an important role within the computing curriculum at Blackhorse as it supports and engages a range of pupils to help develop their understanding in more creative ways. The following approaches are used:

KS1- Programming Beebots

Year 5- Crumbles to help understand the role selection plays within physical computing

Year 6- Micro:bits to understand sensing

The curriculum is further enhanced by the use of external partners who provide specialist workshops. 

Expert Tuition: At Blackhorse, we use the DfE's own 'Teach Computing' scheme of work which has been designed to build firm foundations for computing at primary school. We work with one of the DfE's Computer Hubs to ensure that our staff have access to external training, as well as being trained and supported by Maisie Stack, who leads computing at both Blackhorse and Emersons Green. Teachers following the 'Principles of Expert Tuition' lesson structure, especially when modelling new concepts.

Purposeful Practice: Every lesson should begin with a flashback 4 to recap learning from the last lesson, last week, last term and previous year.  Key vocabulary for the unit is explicitly taught to the children, with regular review points throughout, to ensure that the children are confident and secure with the key terms used within their unit. Teach Computing have a handy glossary page  that provides a simple definition for any key vocabulary children will encounter. 

Personal Effort: We teach children how to take personal responibility for their digital lives, using the SWGfL's 'Project Evolve' scheme of work. This covers progression across all strands from Early Years to Year 6 covering:

• Self-image and identity
• Online Relationships
• Online Bullying
• Heath Wellbeing & Lifestyle
• Privacy & Security
• Copyright and Ownership
• Managing Online Information.