Computing
Intent
In line with the 2014 National Curriculum for Computing, our aim is to provide a high-quality computing education which equips children to live productively and safely in the modern world. The curriculum will teach children key knowledge about how computers and computer systems work, and how they are designed and programmed. Learners will have the opportunity to gain an understanding of computational systems of many kinds, whether or not they include computers.
By the time they leave Crondall Primary School, children will have gained key knowledge and skills in the three main areas of the computing curriculum: computer science (programming and understanding how digital systems work), information technology (using computer systems to store, retrieve and send information) and digital literacy (presenting and evaluating digital content, and using technology safely and respectfully). The objectives within each strand support the development of learning across the key stages, ensuring a solid grounding for future learning and beyond.
By the end of EYFS….
The Early Years Foundation Stage is underpinned by the Characteristics of Effective Learning. They are:
- Playing and Exploring/Engagement
- Active Learning/Motivation
- Creating and Thinking Critically/Thinking
They will use technology to support their learning in these areas. This will include:
- How to keep themselves safe online
- How to control computers and other devices
- Creating text, shapes or images using computers or other devices
- Accessing a range of media
By the end of KS1, the pupils will have been taught to:
- understand what algorithms are; how they are implemented as programs on digital devices; and that programs execute by following precise and unambiguous instructions
- create and debug simple programs
- use logical reasoning to predict the behaviour of simple programs
- use technology purposefully to create, organise, store, manipulate and retrieve digital content
- recognise common uses of information technology beyond school
- use technology safely and respectfully, keeping personal information private; identify where to go for help and support when they have concerns about content or contact on the internet or other online technologies.
By the end of KS2, the pupils will have been taught to:
- design, write and debug programs that accomplish specific goals, including controlling or simulating physical systems; solve problems by decomposing them into smaller parts
- use sequence, selection, and repetition in programs; work with variables and various forms of input and output
- use logical reasoning to explain how some simple algorithms work and to detect and correct errors in algorithms and programs
- understand computer networks including the internet; how they can provide multiple services, such as the world wide web; and the opportunities they offer for communication and collaboration
- use search technologies effectively, appreciate how results are selected and ranked, and be discerning in evaluating digital content
- select, use and combine a variety of software (including internet services) on a range of digital devices to design and create a range of programs, systems and content that accomplish given goals, including collecting, analysing, evaluating and presenting data and information
- use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly; recognise acceptable/unacceptable behaviour; identify a range of ways to report concerns about content and contact
Implementation at our school
At Crondall Primary School, Computing is taught using the Purple Mash Computing scheme of learning and resources. We have a set of laptops and a class set of iPads that enables pupils to work on their own device during Computing lessons. It also ensures that all year groups have the opportunity to use a range of devices and programs for many purposes across the wider curriculum. A number of Information Technology and Digital Literacy lessons are often linked to engaging contexts in other subjects and topics. Employing cross-curricular links motivates pupils and supports them to make connections and remember the steps they have been taught.
The implementation of the curriculum ensures a balanced coverage of computer science, information technology and digital literacy. The children will have experiences of all three strands in each year group, but the subject knowledge imparted becomes increasingly specific and in-depth, with more complex skills being taught, thus ensuring that learning is built upon. For example, children in Key Stage 1 learn what algorithms are, which leads them to the design stage of programming in Key Stage 2, where they design, write and debug programs, explaining the thinking behind their algorithms.
Impact
Our approach to the curriculum results in a fun, engaging, and high-quality computing education. Much of the subject-specific knowledge developed in our computing lessons equips pupils with experiences which will benefit them in secondary school, further education and future workplaces. From research methods, use of presentation and creative tools and critical thinking, computing at Crondall Primary gives children the building blocks that enable them to pursue a wide range of interests and vocations in the next stage of their lives. Where children are keeping up with the curriculum, they are deemed to making good or better progress.
I liked making a car in Computing. We used our finger to drag the pieces into the right place. (Year 1 pupil)
I enjoy making games and being creative”. (Year 4 pupil)
I really enjoy coding and creating my own games. I like experimenting with what works best. (Year 6 pupil)
How to support my child?
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/
https://www.saferinternet.org.uk/
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/preventing-abuse/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/
