Computing
At Abbey Farm ET, Computing is taught using a mix of lessons, those using hardware and software, along with ‘unplugged’ lessons covering the theory behind computing. By the time they leave Abbey Farm, our pupils will be competent digital citizens, able to understand the science of computing, use a variety of technology effectively and creatively, and behave safely and responsibly online. Where we currently have the younger children we focus on sparking their enthusiasm and skills, then putting things out in both Continuous Provision and Discovery Time so that they can further their skills independently. Computing at Abbey Farm is being developed to teach through three strands:
Computer Science
Computer Science is the theory of how computers work. In this strand, children learn about how to use algorithms to create, debug and test computer programmes to achieve a range of different functions, from creating animations to solving simple problems. This strand also teaches children how to apply computational thinking to other areas of their learning, and how to spot patterns and errors in their everyday life.
ICT
ICT is the study of how to use technology, both hardware and software, to accomplish objectives. In this strand, children learn how to use programmes like word and excel to process data, how to operate laptops and tablets to support their learning across the curriculum, and how to use cameras and microphones to create multimedia projects.
Digital Literacy
Digital Literacy is the study of how to use technology in a responsible way. This strand recognises that technology and the internet is a huge part of the world that our pupils will be growing up in, so it’s important that we teach them how to do this safely and responsibly. This strand covers our work on online safety, but also covers how children can make sure that they avoid harming others online and how they can identify the credibility and truth of things they see online.
To support us to deliver all these strands we follow a scheme that is developed by NCCE, Teach Computing. When we opened in 2022 we were lucky to have access to an expert who helped us develop our action plan to enable us to roll out computing from the very start of AFET's journey.
The school has a range of IT already in place, which includes ipads, laptops, virtual reality headsets, software, mobile boards, beebots and a host of other exciting things.
