Computing

St. Mary’s R.C Primary School

 

Primary Curriculum – Computing

Intent: Why we teach Computing?

The Computing in the National Curriculum expectations split the teaching and learning of Computing into three strands:

·         Computer Science

·         Digital Literacy and

·         Information Technology

It is therefore important that children recognise the difference between what makes each one relevant to their future, as well as their everyday lives. High quality teaching of Computing, from Reception through to Year 6, utilises a combination of practical lessons and theory lessons designed to promote discussion and nurture understanding, which are also relevant to other areas of the curriculum such as PSHE and Citizenship.

Children will recognise when the use of technology is effective and when it enhances their understanding or the ability to carry out a task. They will use technology across a range of platforms and within a range of curriculum subjects. Children will learn to make decisions about the use of technology, when to use it and what technology to use.

Key Skills are:

At St Mary’s we aim to develop high standards throughout the school by enabling our children to develop core computing skills across a range of programmes, curriculum areas and devices. We aim to teach children core skills within the areas set out in the three strands of the National Curriculum.

Computer Science

• To enable children to become confident programmers, coders and problem solvers on a range of devices.
• Understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation
• To develop children’s understanding of technology and how it is constantly evolving.

Digital Literacy

• To enable a safe computing environment through appropriate computing behaviours.
• To allow children to explore a range of digital devices and programs.

Information Technology

• To develop ICT as a cross-curricular tool for learning and progression.
• To enable children to use technology safely, responsibly, efficiently, creatively and effectively.

Implementation: How we teach Computing?

• Computing is a tool to be used as appropriate throughout the curriculum to support and enrich children’s learning. Opportunities for Computing should be identified and incorporated within lessons. Planning should refer directly the National Curriculum.
• Computing is taught as a stand-alone lesson by Technola, in KS2 however this does not give curriculum coverage and therefore computing needs to be either taught in further computing specific sessions or ideally is not taught as a stand-alone subject, but throughout the curriculum. There is a progression document for Computing to ensure continuity and progression in the development of skills. Groups will be selected to ensure that all children are equally active and involved in tasks set.

Key life skills for learning

Provide a curriculum  that will equip children with the values, skills and attributes needed to be independent thinkers and courageous learners, so we:

• Provide children with opportunities to learn, practise, apply and master our core learning behaviours of being able to focus, co-operate, reflect, work independently, be inventive, show resilience, self-belief and curiosity.
• Understand that skills and concepts acquired through computing are not exclusive to computing, but closely linked to those required in all other areas of the curriculum.
• Allow children to further develop a growth mindset and understand improvement is something that can be acquired through hard work & effort. 

Impact: What computing gives to our children?

Our children have a rapidly developing understanding of computer systems and how they work. They are able to use different devices and applications to carry out a variety of tasks and are aware of the benefits and pitfalls of using technology. They use technology in a safe and respectful way and are aware of how to stay safe online and what is and isn’t acceptable. They gain a variety of skills over their time at St. Mary’s and can then apply this to be able to solve problems and make links across other areas of the curriculum. They progress well throughout each year group.

Feedback and marking is done at the point of contact wherever possible. Children use technology across many subject in the curriculum. They have access to PCs and iPads on a weekly basis.

 

Links: Click the links below to open up the relevant page.

Internet Safety Day website.
Advice for parents
Advice for children under 11
Other information and contacts
Thinkuknow website (Information and games)

 

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