IT and Computing

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Intent:  2020 – 2021

At Venturers’ Academy I.T. is not used to recreate the way we used to do things - instead I.T. opens a new world of fun, interactivity and motivation.

Throughout their time at Venturers’ Academy learners experience technology and are encouraged to initiate their own learning using I.T.

 

Our aim is to enable out learners to become not only confident users of technology, by using tablets, apps and learning software, but to become skilled manipulators, using such programmes as Word, Excel and PowerPoint as well as creators of new digI.T.al content by learning how to write algorithms and to code.

 

Throughout the school, we keep our learners are in the digital world. Students discuss how to keep safe on-line, how to protect their own information as well as how to communicate effectively – whether by email or by screen.

 

At Venturers’ Academy we are all learning how to get the best from I.T. - we are just at different points of the learning curve.

 

 

Primary

EYFS

In the Nursery and Reception classes, students are introduced to IT as an everyday part of life. They experience technology and are encouraged to initiate their own learning. Students are assessed against the early learning outcomes and specifically against technology.

Year 1 and 2

In Year 1 and 2, students experience technology as part of all subjects. Computing is taught through the Rising Stars Computing Scheme. There are opportunities to further develop technology through the co-curricular programme. Students have access to tablets, Beebots and whiteboards.

Yr1

Using programmable toys

Filming the steps of a recipe

Illustrating an eBook

Finding images using the web

Producing a talking book

Creating a card electronically

Yr2

Programming on screen

Exploring how computer games work

Taking, selecting and editing digital images

Researching a topic

Communicating clues

Recording bug hunt data

Years 3 to 6

In Years 3 to 6 , students experience technology as part of all subjects. Computing is taught through the Rising Stars Computing Scheme. There are opportunities to further develop technology through the co-curricular programme. Students have access to tablets, laptops and other technologies.

Yr 3

Programming an animation

Finding and correcting bugs in programs

Videoing performance

Exploring computer networks, including the Internet

Communicating safely on the Internet

Collecting and analysing data

Yr 4

Developing a simple educational game

Prototyping an interactive toy

Producing digital music

Editing and writing HTML

Producing a wiki

Presenting the weather

Yr 5

Developing an interactive game

Cracking codes

Fusing geometry and art

Creating a web page about cyber safety

Sharing experiences and opinions

Creating a virtual space

Yr 6

Planning the creation of a mobile app

Developing project management skills

Researching the app market

Designing an interface for an app

Developing a simple mobile phone app

Creating video and web copy for a mobile phone app

Secondary

Years 7, 8 and 9

In Years 7, 8 and 9, students develop the knowledge and skills to become component in their use of ICT which helps to assist them in their learning across all of the subjects that they take as part of the Academy curriculum. Students also learn basic computer programming skills which enables them to understand how to write computer code and apply their skills in a practical computing context. Students are assessed through a series of projects which are completed on a half termly basis.

Topics studied include:

  • E-Safety
  • App design
  • Website design
  • Python Programming
  • Algorithms
  • HTML and Javascript
  • Networks
  • Introduction to Computer Systems – inc Hardware, Software, Binary