At Riverside Primary School we provide pupils with a Computing education in which will enable them to participate successfully in a rapidly changing world where work and leisure activities are increasingly transformed by technology.  We give our pupils the life-skills that will enable them to embrace and utilise new technology in a socially responsible and safe way.

Our high quality computing curriculum enables pupils to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world. Pupils are taught about the core principles of Computing, Computer Science, information and computation as well as how digital systems work and how to use programming. Our Computing education also ensures that pupils become digitally literate at a level suitable for the future workplace and as active participants in a digital world.

Early Years Foundation Stage

Nursery and Reception follow the Early Years Foundation Stage statutory framework for the teaching of ICT. Information Communication Technology is found within the specific area Understanding the World: Technology. Objectives and Early Learning Goals detail the knowledge, skills and understanding for ICT within the EYFS. The children are provided with a range of opportunities to use the Smart interactive whiteboards, laptops, stand alone computers and iPads found in both foundation stage classrooms as well as regular visits to the ICT suite. The children also have access to microphones, CD players, technological toys, digital cameras and recording equipment as well as a range of other technical equipment. Themes follow the interests of the children through a child initiated approach to teaching and learning. Popular topics include ourselves, friends, dinosaurs and mini beasts.

Key Stage One and Two

ICT in Key Stage One and Two is taught through the use of two main elements Computer Science and IT and Digital Literacy.

Pupils develop skills, ideas and understanding when exploring the following topics:

* Control and programming

* Computational thinking

* Information handling and digital research

* Text, graphics, multimedia and story telling

* Digital imagery, graphical modelling and art

* Sound

* Animation and video

* Communication and collaboration

ICT is also taught through the use of a Literacy based session whereabouts pupils develop basic ICT skills whilst consolidating fundamental literacy skills. Children play a variety of literacy based games, create and retell their own stories using word processing skills, create videos and carry out research using the internet. Children are also provided with regular weekly opportunities to develop basic numeracy key skills in the ICT suite and using the iPads and laptops. Children work on a mathematical website called ‘Mathletics’ developing key skills such as number recognition, addition and subtraction, times table facts as well as telling the time. Computers, digital cameras and interactive whiteboards are located in every classroom and the use of ICT becomes an integral part of everyday teaching and learning.