Computing

Intent

Through the study of Computing, children will recognise technology is a part of everyday life. We intend to encourage a thirst for knowledge and digital curiosity so that they can enjoy the wonders of technology and explore the benefits it can bring to their lives.

We intend to prepare children to be active citizens who can positively contribute to an increasingly exponential society. Our curriculum will enable them to develop a wide range of fundamental skills, knowledge and understanding that will equip them for the rest of their life and prepare them for jobs that have not yet been discovered.

Children will develop a level of responsibility in an era of social media prevalence, by teaching children to use the internet safely and for good purpose in order to protect themselves and others. They will know how and where to access support and guidance.

We intend to ensure National Curriculum coverage through a thorough and robust Computing curriculum, ensuring that there is a clear progression of skills where children can build upon their prior learning.

We believe Computing is a subject that not only stands alone but is an integral part of learning that should be exposed in a range of other subjects so that children can see the purpose and meaning behind these skills.

Implementation

2. New long term planning for each year group which maps out the units of work covered with clear evidence of progression through the skills.

3. Use of software provides children with the opportunity to use and apply the skills they have developed throughout the year, with opportunities for cross-curricular links children will recognise that Computing skills have purpose and meaning.

4. Providing teachers with the necessary tools to deliver the curriculum including physical resources and CPD.

Children in Early Years provision will be exposed to the understanding of internet safety as they explore the world around them and how technology is an everyday part of their learning and understanding of the world. The learning environment will feature ICT scenarios based on experience in the real world, such as in role play. Children will explore and gain confidence, control and language skills through opportunities to ‘paint’ on the interactive board/devices or control remotely operated toys. Outdoor exploration, is an important aspect where ICT toys will be incorporated into the learning. Recording devices will be used to develop communication skills.

In Key Stage 1, the children will learn to understand what algorithms are; how they are implemented as programs on digital devices; and that programs execute by following precise and unambiguous instructions. They will be taught to create and debug simple programs and use logical reasoning to predict the behaviour of simple programs. They will be shown how to use a range of technology purposefully to create, organise, store, manipulate and retrieve digital content as well as recognise common uses of information technology beyond school. They will be taught to 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. Each of these skills will be taught through exciting half termly units.

In Key Stage 2, the children will design, write and debug programs that accomplish specific goals, including controlling or simulating physical systems; solve problems by decomposing them into smaller parts. They will use sequence, selection, and repetition in programs, use logical reasoning to explain how some simple algorithms work and correct errors in algorithms and programs. Children will be taught to understand computer networks, including the internet, and the opportunities they offer for communication and collaboration. They will use search technologies effectively, learn to appreciate how results are selected and ranked, and be discerning in evaluating digital content. Children will be taught to select, use and combine a variety of software (including internet services) on a range of digital devices to create a range of programs, systems and content that accomplish given goals. They will use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly; recognise acceptable/unacceptable behaviour; identify a range of ways to report concerns about content and contact.

Curriculum Overview and Skills Progression

• Computing Curriculum Overview
• Computing Progression of Skills

Impact

After the implementation of this robust computing curriculum, children at St. Gerard’s will be digitally literate and able to join the rest of the world on its digital platform. They will be equipped, not only with the skills and knowledge to use technology effectively and for their own benefit, but more importantly – safely. The biggest impact we want on our children is that they understand the consequences of using the internet and that they are also aware of how to keep themselves safe online.

As children become more confident in their abilities in Computing, they will become more independent and key life skills such as problem-solving, logical thinking and self-evaluation become second nature.