Computing Curriculum Overview and Progression of Skills

Computing

A computing education equips pupils to use computational thinking and creativity while developing deep links with mathematics, science and design and technology, and provides insights into both natural and artificial systems.

The three main strands within computing are computer science (CS), information technology (IT) and digital literacy (DL). 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.

The objectives for Computing in the National Curriculum

The national curriculum for computing aims to ensure that all pupils:

• can understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation
• can analyse problems in computational terms, and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems
• can evaluate and apply information technology, including new or unfamiliar technologies, analytically to solve problems are responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology.

Key stage 1

Pupils should be 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.

Pupils should be 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.

(Taken from National Curriculum 2014)

Holy Cross Catholic Primary School Computing Curriculum

Intent

At Holy Cross, we recognise that Technology is everywhere and will play a pivotal part in our students' lives,. Therefore, we want to model and educate our pupils on how to use technology positively, responsibly and safely. We want our pupils to understand that there is always a choice with using technology and as a school we utilise technology to model positive use. We recognise that the best prevention for a lot of issues with technology/social media is through education. Building their knowledge in this subject will allow pupils to effectively demonstrate their learning through creative use of technology. Technology can allow pupils to share their learning in creative ways. We also understand the accessibility opportunities technology can provide for our pupils. Our knowledge rich curriculum is balanced with the opportunity for pupils to apply their knowledge creatively which will in turn help our pupils become skillful computer scientists. We encourage teachers to try and embed computing across the whole curriculum to make learning creative and accessible. We want our pupils to be fluent with a range of tools to best express their understanding and children have the independence and confidence to choose the best tool to fulfill the task and challenge set by teachers.

Implementation

Our broad curriculum encompasses computer science, information technology and digital literacy. In Holy Cross, Computing is taught flexibility. It may be taught as a stand-alone lesson or embedded within the curriculum. Through the school year, each classroom from Year 1-6 will have the opportunity to work with Mr Mills from EduConnect. EduConnect work alongside teachers in Holy Cross to support children, provide teachers with CPD and provide Holy Cross with specialist Computing equipment needed. Using the National Curriculum, we have created a comprehensive progression document for staff to follow to best embed and cover every element of the computing curriculum. The knowledge/skills statements build year on year to deepen and challenge our learners. Majority of our computing lessons at Holy Cross are embedded across the curriculum, but stand-alone lessons are also taught.

Impact

Finding the right balance with technology is key to an effective education and a healthy life-style. At Holy Cross, we feel the way we implement Computing helps children realise the need for the right balance. We encourage regular discussions between staff and pupils to best embed and understand this. The way pupils’ showcase, share, celebrate and publish their work will best show the impact of our curriculum. Progress of our computing curriculum is demonstrated through outcomes and the record of coverage in the process of achieving these outcomes.

Digital Literacy

E-Safety is a very important part of Computing in Holy Cross. E-safety is embedded in all Computing sessions to ensure safe and responsible use of technology. Keeping e-safety in mind is vital when pupils are introduced to new programs and software. For more information about how Esafety is taught in Holy Cross, click the link below.

ICT across the Curriculum

At Holy Cross Primary, we use ICT creatively to enhance learning for all children and as a tool to support all aspects of our work in school. We have invested in  software packages called Purple Mash and Mathletics and have a number of curriculum related Apps for the iPads.

In our Computing lessons, Year 4 are currently Hardware Investigators. The children learnt the different between Hardware and Software. They then explored different parts of a Computer. 

We used our technology to look at the mountains and recreate them using ‘THISISSAND’ an app that allows us to layer sand in different colours to make our own ‘Rainbow Mountains’