Computing
This is an extract from the Computing curriculum policy with information for parents (full policy available on request):
Curriculum Intent:
‘A high-quality computing education equips pupils to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world.’ Computing programme of Study, DfE, 2013
Computing has deep links with mathematics, science, and design and technology, and provides insights into both natural and artificial systems. 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.
At Seely, we believe that Computing is an integral part of preparing children to live in a world where technology is continuously and rapidly evolving, so much so that children are being prepared to work with technology that doesn’t even exist yet. For this reason, we feel that it is important that children are able to participate in the creation of these new tools to fully grasp the relevance of and the possibilities of emerging technologies thus preparing them for the world of work. Our aim is to develop children’s computational thinking and problem solving so that they can succeed in and contribute to our rapidly changing world.
Pedagogy and Implementation:
Teaching and Organisation
Computing at Seely is embedded throughout each year group as well as across the curriculum. We believe that technology is a tool that we harness effectively to strengthen the teaching of all subjects. Our Computing curriculum allows for a broad, deep understanding of computing and how it links to children's lives. It offers a range of opportunities for consolidation, challenge and variety. This allows children to apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science. They develop analytical problem-solving skills and learn to evaluate and apply information technology. It also enables them to become responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information technology.
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.
As the aims of Computing are to equip children with the skills necessary to use technology to become independent learners, the teaching style that we adopt is as active and practical as possible. While at times we do give children direct instruction on how to use hardware or software, the main emphasis of our teaching in Computing is for individuals or groups of children to use computers and computing to help them in whatever they are trying to study.
Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
The positive and noticeable benefits of young children using Computing are similar to those of older pupils. Thinking and problem-solving skills are developed through a structured focus which is stimulating and linked to other activities. Children will have Computing experiences indoors, outside and through role play in both child-initiated and teacher directed time. Resources are appropriate to the needs of the pupils in order to enhance life skills and support the six areas of Learning and Development.
Key Stage One (KS1)
In line with the statutory requirements of the national curriculum, and following the ‘Teach Computing’ curriculum, KS1 pupils are 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 Two (KS2)
In line with the statutory requirements of the national curriculum, and following the ‘Teach Computing’ curriculum, KS2 pupils are 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.
Access for all
We make sure that all children access the Computing curriculum and achieve success, therefore ensuring that adapted tasks where pertinent allow them to develop and extend their depth of knowledge and understanding so that they can demonstrate successfully what they know, understand and can do. Tasks are selected and designed to provide appropriate challenge to all learners, in line with the school’s commitment to inclusion.
We recognise that all classes have children with widely differing Computing abilities. This is especially true when some children have access to Computing equipment at home, while others do not. We provide suitable learning opportunities for all children by matching the challenge of the task to the ability and experience of the child.
Wider Curriculum
‘Digital Leaders’ are trained once children finish Year 4 and these pupil leaders assist with technology throughout the school.
Pupil Leadership groups such as the Rainbow Rangers, Diversity Defenders and Shakespeare Ambassadors use the Internet to research role models and facts relating to their leadership area. They then produce digital assembly resources to share their research with the other pupils in school.
