Autumn Term 2 Computing Highlights: From Pyramids to Programming!

As we close out the calendar year and the Autumn term, it's incredible to reflect on the explosion of creativity, coding, and collaborative technology use witnessed across the schools we work with this half term. Pupils have continued to develop essential digital skills through deep dives into history, interactive coding projects, and immersive virtual worlds.

🤖 KS1 Coding & Bluebots

IOur youngest learners mastered the fundamentals of coding by focusing on programmable toys like the Bluebots. In various KS1 classrooms, children explored concepts of position and direction, issuing commands to make the robots follow complex paths—a brilliant, hands-on introduction to algorithmic thinking.

💡Programming with Crumbles

Students in LKS2 schools stepped up their coding game using Crumbles. They learned to program circuits, control lights (LEDs), and use different inputs and outputs, showing incredible perseverance and debugging skills to make their creations come to life.

🏗️ LEGO Robotics Challenges

We ran exciting and challenging LEGO Robotics workshops for both LKS2 and UKS2 groups. Students designed, built, and coded complex robots to perform specific tasks, reinforcing not just coding principles but also design technology and collaboration within their teams.

💻 Deeper Coding and Digital Creation

🖱️ Micro:bit Missions

UKS2 groups engaged in advanced physical computing with Micro:bits. Students coded these pocket-sized computers to create diverse projects, from simple games to functional devices, demonstrating their ability to work with inputs, outputs, and variables.

🎶 Audio Production

Across multiple year groups and schools, pupils explored the world of sound using GarageBand and other tools for Audio Production. They learned how to mix, sequence, and record, applying their creativity to produce original soundscapes and pieces of music.

🌍 Immersive Learning with Virtual Reality (VR)

VR continues to be a powerful tool for bringing topics to life and creating memorable learning experiences, linking technology directly with curriculum subjects:

Ancient Egypt

Students were transported to the Nile to explore pyramids and historical sites, deepening their factual knowledge of this ancient civilisation.

Rainforests

Multiple groups experienced the sights and sounds of the Rainforest, linking directly to their current geography and science topics.

World War 2 (WW2)

Pupils gained a powerful, multi-sensory understanding of life during WW2 through immersive VR environments, particularly with rference to the story of Anne Frank.

🚀 Inspiring Work Beyond the Classroom

🛒 Special School Engagement

We were privileged to work with a special school to facilitate a crucial life skills project: going shopping using scanners and iPad apps. This practical session used assistive technology to build independence and confidence with real-world tasks.

💻 EdTech Advocate Course

The dedicated EdTech Advocate group, representing teachers from various schools, took an inspiring trip to RAF Cosford. The focus of the visit was learning how to effectively use technology to support digital publishing and presenting, bringing back exciting new ideas to share across their schools.

🎉 Wishing You a Wonderful Break

It has been a truly remarkable term of digital exploration and cross-curricular connection across our network of schools. We would like to extend our warmest wishes to all the students, teachers, and staff we have worked with. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!