Computing

Subject Leader - Mr Zalewski

Children are taught computing in line with the National Curriculum.

Vision

We believe that computing is a subject that not only stands alone but is woven throughout other subjects and should be an integral part of all learning. A robust computing curriculum ensures that children will be digitally literate and able to join the rest of the world on its digital platform. Children will be equipped, not only with the skills and knowledge to use technology effectively and for their own benefit, but more importantly – safely. We want our children to understand the consequences of using the internet and also make sure that they are aware of how to keep themselves safe online.

Content

Through the study of Computing, children will develop a wide range of fundamental skills, knowledge and understanding that will actually equip them for the rest of their lives.

Covering all the areas of study required by the national curriculum our computing curriculum is broad and robust. We have carefully developed our Y1-Y6 computing projects to ensure that there is balance, progression and challenge - not just within a year group but across the school.

Discreet lessons are used to develop depth of knowledge and skills in the areas of information technology, digital literacy and computer science. These skills are then deepened as they are used to aid and enhance learning in other areas of the curriculum.

Our curriculum has been developed with the support of a computing specialist teacher who is also employed to work for a day a week in school with all children from years one to six.

Once children are in Key Stage 2 they have the opportunity to become a Digital Leader. These pupils are our digital experts. They provide support to the other children in the classroom and also provide specialist sessions for KS1 and Foundation Stage 2.

Within school we are able to provide a range of resources including: a computer suite, iPads, laptops and a range of remote controlled and programmable toys and robots. Because it is important that all equipment is maintained we employ an IT specialist technician who visits school once a week to check and maintain our school technology.

Computing Curriculum Strands of Learning

Computer Science

Computer science is all about the understanding of how computers work and how we communicate with them to complete everyday tasks.

The children will:

Create algorithms - a set of instructions that inform the computer how to perform a task.
Make predictions.
Debug - find and remove mistakes from the instructions or code they are using to tell the computer what to do.
Decompose problems – break complex problems down into smaller parts.

Information Technology

Information Technology is about having the skills and technology required for processing information. In particular the use of computers to convert, store, process, transmit, and retrieve information.

It is about challenging the children to select the right program to complete a task and show that they can collect, display and share information.

Digital Literacy

Digital literacy is about being able to understand and use technology. It relates to being able to find, use and create information online in a beneficial and useful way. Digital literacy also means knowing the limitations of technology and understanding the dangers and precautions that the use of technology requires.

The children will learn about:

Internet safety – knowing what information can be shared and with whom and safety when using websites.
Digital Footprints – the trail of information that you leave behind when you use the internet
Sending emails.
Cyberbullying – going online to hurt someone on purpose.
Ethics of using online resources - avoiding plagiarism (Using someone else’s words or ideas as your own).

Implementation of the Computing Curriculum across the School

Early Years

In the Early Years children are taught about:

The range of technology that is used safely in places such as homes and schools.
Selecting and using technology for particular purposes.
Internet safety – this is done through story and talk as they explore the world around them and how technology is an everyday part of their learning and understanding of the world.

Key Stage 1

The children learn to:

Understand what algorithms are; how they are implemented as programs on digital devices; and that programs execute by following precise instructions.
Create and debug simple programs and use logical reasoning to predict the behaviour of simple programs.
Use a range of technology purposefully to create, organise, store, manipulate and retrieve digital content as well as recognise common uses of information technology beyond school. 4. Use technology safely and respectfully, keeping personal information private; identifying where to go for help and support when they have concerns about content or contacts on the internet or other online technologies.

Each of these skills are taught through exciting half termly units.

Key Stage 2

The children will learn to:

Design, write and debug programs that accomplish specific goals, including controlling or simulating physical systems; solving problems by decomposing them into smaller parts.
Use sequence, selection, and repetition in programs.
Use logical reasoning to explain how some simple algorithms work and correct errors in algorithms and programs.
Understand computer networks, including the internet, and the opportunities they offer for communication and collaboration.
Use search technologies effectively, learn to 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 different digital devices to create a range of programs, systems and content that accomplish given goals.
Use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly; recognising acceptable/unacceptable behaviour; identifying a range of ways to report concerns about content and contact.

Each of these skills are taught through exciting half termly units.