Computing

Children have weekly Computing lessons using a range of digital devices including iPads and chrome books.  Computing links with Mathematics, Science and Design Technology, and provides insights into both natural and artificial systems. The Primary National Curriculum for Computing is split into three strands: information technology, digital literacy and computer science.

• Information technology is about the use of computers for functional purposes, such as creating or sharing information or using search engines.
• Digital literacy is about the safe and responsible use of technology, including recognising its advantages for learning or retrieving information, but also understanding its dangers.
• Computer science helps children of all ages to understand how computers and programs work. It allows children the chance to learn simple computer programming, allowing children to create simple algorithms to solve problems.

The core of Computing is Computer Science, in which children are taught the principles of information and computation, how digital systems work, and how to put this knowledge to use through programming. Computing also ensures that children become digitally literate. They learn to develop their ideas using  information and communication technology – at a level suitable for the future workplace and as active participants in a digital world.

Many computing lessons are delivered through “Rising Stars: Switched On Computing” scheme which includes regular teaching of Online Safety alongside the PSHE curriculum. Pupils are taught to be respectful and responsible online to create, organise, store, manipulate and retrieve digital content. 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.

Rising Stars: Switched on Computing has a different focus each half term which includes technology being used in ways that expose students to potential jobs available today, such as animators, architects or game developers. The scheme is inclusive of all and uses up to date software that enables our children to be creative and competent users of ICT. 

Year 1 starts the year by thinking about what computing is, what equipment we have and use for computing(this ranges from desktop computers to mobile phones and games consoles). They look at how the resources for computing have changed over the years, improving as time goes on allowing people to do and access more. They are learning how to record and then edit videos for a given purpose, learning about what an algorithm is and how to make them. From this the children will be able to create their own algorithms to program toys to move around a directed path, when a fault is shown how to ‘debug’ their algorithm and make changes so that it is correct. Year 1 also starts to teach us how to use technology purposefully to create, organise, store, manipulate and retrieve digital content and  recognise common uses of information technology beyond school.