Computing
Computing at Christ Church CE VA Primary School
‘Together, with God’s love, we can achieve anything’
A high-quality computing education equips pupils to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world. Computing has deep links with mathematics, science, and design and technology, and provides insights into both natural and artificial systems. The core of computing is computer science, in which pupils are taught the principles of information and computation, how digital systems work, and how to put this knowledge to use through programming. Building on this knowledge and understanding, pupils are equipped to use information technology to create programs, systems and a range of content. Computing also ensures that pupils become digitally literate – able to use, and express themselves and develop their ideas through, information and communication technology – at a level suitable for the future workplace and as active participants in a digital world.
Aims
The national curriculum for computing aims to ensure that all pupils:
can understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation
can analyse problems in computational terms, and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems
can evaluate and apply information technology, including new or unfamiliar technologies, analytically to solve problems
are responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology
Intent
We intend to deliver the National Curriculum aims effectively and in a structured way so that children gain the knowledge and skills they need to enjoy this subject and succeed.
We intend that children understand the limitations and caveats as to internet search reliability such that they develop and retain an ability to evaluate the value and likely objectivity of the information that internet searches produce.
Our children’s safety from any form of exploitation including online danger is paramount. Some of our children may have a home environment where parents or carers will not yet be sufficiently aware of these dangers. We intend that children gain a stronger understanding of the inherent dangers of online interaction including use of social media and learn how to discern those dangers / what actions to take so that they remain safe.
Detail
Computing is taught discretely to permit a subject-specific knowledge base and coding skill development to be monitored. Naturally, IT applications permeate the wider curriculum teaching and learning. Wherever possible, cross-curricular links are made, whether through a direct application of another subject skill (eg mathematics within spreadsheets) or in the application of computing to that subject.
Our concept / skills progression grids delineate what is expected by the end of Key Stages / sub-Key Stages within KS2.
We teach in mixed–age classes on a two-year rolling cycle so that the content of the National curriculum in computing is fully delivered by the end of each Key Stage / sub-Key stage. We report annually on the progress of children in gaining the knowledge and skills within their programme of study. The latter are as follows:
Key stage 1 Pupils should be 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.
Key stage 2 Pupils should be 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.
All children, regardless of gender and ability, will have equal access to the Computing curriculum and will have the opportunity to make the most of their own potential, within this field. The screen resolutions are increased for children with visual impairments.
Children will be aware of internet safety and will be refreshed with a focus on this area every term. E-safety will underpin the Computing curriculum. (See E-safety policy).
To this end parents are invited to attend online-safety presentations. Appropriately targeted lessons on online-safety, plus reminders about keeping themselves safe whenever using IT in school / at home are employed.
ICT applications that are timetabled weekly include ‘Reading Plus’ and ‘Mathletics’ which are known motivators of our children and link learning in school with homework options.
Impact
Our Subject leader has worked with children and the Pastoral lead in school to complete the ‘360 degrees’ review of online safety.
Parents and Carers have a positive view of the impact of our teaching around internet safety – feedback received.
Children through monitoring are increasingly able to demonstrate their growing knowledge of Computing terms and concepts. We are working to strengthen some aspects of the subject.
