Computing

Why is Computing important in our school?
Computing is an essential skill for life and helps pupils to access information easily.  In the current climate, computing has been an essential way of helping teachers, pupils and families work together in their learning.  Ideas can be shared over the internet and all children have the potential to access this area of the curriculum.

Children learn about how systems operate and how to control pieces of equipment, such as CD player and remote control equipment.  ICT is incorporated in more or less every lesson that a child participates in within school, it is a subject that can be stand alone as well as supporting all other subjects.

ICT is a great stimulator for getting children involved in their learning and all children get an opportunity to succeed.

What are the aims of teaching Computing?
In Key Stage 1, children are given a solid grounding in the basics of computing, including understanding algorithms, creating simple programmes and learning how to stay safe online.

Year 1 & 2 children are taught to:
•    Understand what algorithms are (step-by-step instructions for carrying out a function), how they are used on devices and how that programme works by following precise instructions.
•    Create and debug (find and remove errors) simple computer programmes.
•    Use logical reasoning to predict the behaviour of simple programmes.
•    Use technology to create, organise, store, manipulate and retrieve digital content.
•    Recognise common uses of information technology in the wider world.
•    Use technology safely and respectfully, keeping their personal information private.
•    Know where to go for help and support if they’re worried about anything they see on the internet or other online technologies.

In Key Stage 2, children build on the skills of Key Stage 1 and extend their mastery of computers, as users and creators.  The computing curriculum aims to make children computer aware, teaching them concepts and approaches to help problem-solve.

Year 3 to 6 children are taught to:
•    Design, write and debug programs that accomplish specific goals, including controlling or simulating physical systems.
•    Solve problems by breaking them down 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 find and correct errors in algorithms and programmes.
•    Understand computer networks including the internet: how they can provide multiple services, such as the worldwide web: and the opportunities they offer for communication and collaboration.
•    Use search technologies effectively, understand 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 programmes, systems and content that accomplish specific design goals, including collecting, analysing, evaluating and presenting data and information.
•    Use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly: recognise acceptable and unacceptable behaviour: identify a range of ways to report concerns about content and contact.

We aim for all pupils to:
•    Understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation
•    Analyse problems in computational terms, and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems
•    Evaluate and apply information technology, including new or unfamiliar technologies, analytically to solve problems
•    Be responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology

How Computing is taught in our school?
Computing is taught by each class teacher as a distinct subject.

What will children get from the teaching of Computing?
Children are gaining key skills for life when participating in computing lessons.

What we teach across the school in this subject: