Computing – Intent, Implementation and Impact

Intent:

It is our intention to enable children to find, explore, analyse, exchange and present information. We also focus on developing the skills necessary for children to be able to use information in a discriminating and effective way. We want children to know more, remember more and understand more in computing so that they leave primary school computer literate. 

Computing skills are a major factor in enabling children to be confident, creative and independent learners and we will ensure that our children have every opportunity available to allow them to achieve this.

We intend to build a Computing curriculum that develops children’s learning and results in the acquisition of knowledge of the world around them that ensures all pupils can understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science.  These include abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation, as well as being able to analyse problems in computational terms, and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems.

Our Computing curriculum will prepare our children to live safely in an increasingly digital society where they can evaluate and apply information technology, including to new or unfamiliar technologies, analytically to solve problems.

Implementation:

• A clear and effective, cross curricular scheme of work that provides coverage in line with the National Curriculum. Teaching and learning should facilitate progression across all key stages within the strands of digital literacy, information technology and computer science
• Access to resources which aid in the acquisition of skills and knowledge.
• Children will have access to the hardware (computers, iPads, programmable equipment) and software that they need to develop knowledge and skills of digital systems and their applications.
• A clear and effective scheme of work that provides coverage in line with the National Curriculum.
• Teaching and learning should facilitate progression across all key stages within the strands of digital literacy, information technology and computer science. Children will have the opportunity to explore and respond to key issues such as digital communication, cyber-bullying, online safety, security, plagiarism and social media.
• Wider curriculum links and opportunities for the safe use of digital systems are reinforced in wider curriculum planning.
• The importance of online safety is shown through displays within the learning environment and computer suite.
• Parents are informed when issues relating to online safety arise and further information/support is provided if required.
• As well as opportunities underpinned within the scheme of work, children will also spend time further exploring the key issues associated with online safety.

Impact:

• Children will be confident users of technology, able to use it to accomplish a wide variety of goals, both at home and in school.
• Children will have a secure and comprehensive knowledge of the implications of technology and digital systems. This is important in a society where technologies and trends are rapidly evolving.
• Children will be able to apply the British values of democracy, tolerance, mutual respect, rule of law and liberty when using digital systems.

Computing

At St Patrick’s, the children have access to a number of digital and electronic devices.  These include laptops, PCs, tablets and cameras.  They are used across a range of subject areas.

Computing Curriculum:

In Key Stage 1 during Computing lessons the children 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.

In Key Stage 2 during Computing lessons the children 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.