Computing

Year 3

In Computing, the children have been introduced to networks and have been exploring each week how they operate. This has included learning about the features of a device and considering the inputs, processes and outputs a device may have. The children have consolidated their understanding of the purposes of different digital devices, as well as comparing artwork created in real life to one created digitally.

Year 4

This half term we have been learning the computer science concept of ‘sequence’ and understanding this means being careful to put the order in which things are done. We have had lots of fun learning the block code language, Scratch. We have been careful to program the blocks one after the other to make the correct sequence for the computer to understand and execute. We have used the knowledge of sequencing to create a game that uses inputs from a keyboard to control a Sprite to move around a maze and to draw a line.

Year 5

In Computing in Year 5, the children have been creating and editing videos. Year 5 began the topic by looking at different videos and analysing and comparing them. Children then discussed different filming techniques:  

●        Long shot – filming one person, showing their whole body and where they are 

●        Moving subject – a person moving from one place to another 

●        Side by side – filming two people at the same time 

Year 5 then planned their own video on how to stay safe online using a storyboard. The children then filmed their videos using iPads in groups using the different filming techniques. Year 5 concluded the topic by re-watching and evaluating their videos.  

Year 6

This term in Year 6 we have been working on coding. We gave clear instructions, known as algorithms. We focused on repetition, selection and conditional selection. We used Purple Mash to complete set activities to practise using the algorithms and using different variables to complete different tasks. We created our own games involving the variables such as timers and directions through Purple Mash. We then looked at and focused on Online Safety and how to keep others and ourselves safe online. We reflected on our screen time use and how this can affect our wellbeing.

Year 3

In the Summer term, Year 3 have covered stop-motion animation and branching databases. The Year 3s loved taking a sequence of pictures

To make a branching database, pupils first learned how to ask specific yes/no closed questions. We then looked at the characteristics that we could sort our data into. Pupils then created a paper branching database where they physically sorted pictures of animals with different characteristics such as diet, colour or habitat. Finally pupils transferred this branching database to our online software on J2E.

Year 4

We have been learning digital photo editing and using an online software called Pixlr.com. We have loved learning how to upload a photo, crop an image and change filters to make it look really interesting!

Year 5

The children enjoying using micro:bits, which is a small device that can be plugged into a laptop. The children have learned to write algorithms to programme the micro:bit, in order to get an output in the micro:bit in the form of a LED display, or a sound.

We have also studied Systems, learning about the computer processes behind things we may take for granted, such as how sensors instruct zebra crossings, and the system involved when we place an order at home on a device, and then collecting it a few days later at an Amazon locker. The children have also investigated searching on the World Wide Web, using two different search engines to find results for simple search terms such as ‘boot’, ‘sale’ and ‘rugby’, and learning how to refine a search to find more exact results.

Year 6

Year 6 been concentrating on online safety this half term in preparation for moving to High School We have been using the online platform Project Evolve to focus on health, well-being and lifestyle, copyright and ownership and privacy and security. 

Year 3

This term we have been building on the concept of sequence as ‘a set of instructions read from beginning to end’ whilst learning the fundamentals of the Scratch coding platform. We have opened example programs and explored how a sequence of blocks will make a Sprite move across the stage. Pupils have been writing a program to move a Sprite around a maze with arrow key inputs and they have worked hard to debug any errors in their sequence of code.

Year 4

In Year 4 pupils have explored how a repeating sequence of instructions can be grouped together and repeated several times as a loop. We then looked more deeply at different types of loops: infinite loops that run forever and count-controlled loops that run for a given amount of time.

Year 5

In Spring, Year 5 have been focusing on coding as well as using data bases. When coding, we used Scratch to make a questionnaire. The children worked with their partners to use condition and selection. When using databases, the children were able to filter data numerically, as well as alphabetically. They were able to search databases to filter data about mini beasts and dinosaurs. The children were able to explain that computer databases were much easier to sort as opposed to paper data bases.

Year 6

Year 6 have been working on Spreadsheets. We used MS Excel to input data, write formulas and copy the formula across to fill in cells. We have also used the data and formulas to complete different input and outputs from this.