Computing
Our aim is to deliver a detailed and balanced computing curriculum that equip all pupils with the skills and confidence they need for a future we can’t yet imagine.
Each week, children across school spend an hour working collaboratively in our specially developed Code Lab. Children are encouraged to develop logical programming skills alongside the practical tools of word processing and use of effective search technologies.
A large part of our curriculum links to e-safety. Through making links to our embedded PSHE schemes, we are able to use a common language that helps teach all pupils how to use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly whilst always keeping a discerning eye on the digital content they encounter. Our KS2 Digital Ambassadors are a real asset to our school, with a representative from each class sharing ideas, delivering assemblies and helping to spread the e-safety message.
As a way of demonstrating learning and progression, children’s experiences are recorded in class sketchbooks. Screenshots and copies are taken of work, both on screen and unplugged, and used to create a progressive portfolio of what computing looks like in each year group.
We have established links with local STEM companies such as Jaguar Land Rover and Codemasters, who have kindly provided workshops and assemblies to year groups throughout school. These have been valuable for not only providing the opportunity to practically apply skills taught in lessons, but for inspiring the next generation of programmers, games designers and engineers.
Shrubland Street also has its very own UKS2 Lego League Team who compete annually at regional competitions using Mindstorms Robots and programming of their own creation. Through their hard work and creativity, our team has consistently won a selection of trophies with the most common being for their evident core values and extraordinary team spirit – something which unfailingly extends to other competing teams. The wins of “Shrub Street Stem” are even more impressive when you consider that our team is often the only team of 9-11 year olds competing against pupils from secondary schools!