Computing

Aims and Objectives

The use of Computing is an integral part of the National Curriculum and is a key skill for everyday life. Computers, tablets, programmable robots, digital and video cameras are a few of the tools that can be used to acquire, organise, store, manipulate, interpret, communicate and present information. At St. Charles R. C. Primary School, we recognise that pupils are entitled to quality hardware and software and a structured and progressive approach to the learning of the skills needed to enable them to use it effectively. The purpose of this policy is to state how the school intends to make this provision.

The school’s aims are to:

• Provide a relevant, challenging and enjoyable curriculum for Computing for all pupils.
• Meet the requirements of the National Curriculum for Computing.
• Use Computing as a tool to enhance learning throughout the curriculum.
• To respond to new developments in technology.
• To equip pupils with the confidence and capability to use Computing throughout their later life.
• To enhance learning in other areas of the curriculum using Computing.
• To develop the understanding of how to use Computing safely and responsibly.

Purpose of Computing

The school believes that Computing:

• Gives pupils immediate access to a rich source of materials;
• Can present information in new ways which help pupils understand access and use it more readily;
• Can motivate and enthuse pupils;
• Can help pupils focus and concentrate;
• Offers potential for effective group working;
• Has the flexibility to meet the individual needs and abilities of each pupil.

Curriculum

The National Curriculum for Computing aims to ensure that all pupils:

• Can understand and apply the fundamental principles of computer science, including logic, algorithms, data representation, and communication
• 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.

Early Years

It is important in the Foundation Stage to give children a broad, play-based experience of Computing in a range of contexts, including outdoor play. Computing is not just about computers. Early Years learning environments should feature Computing scenarios based on experience in the real world, such as in role play. Children gain confidence, control and language skills through opportunities to ‘paint’ on the whiteboard or drive a remote-controlled toy. Recording devices can support children to develop their communication skills. This is particulary useful with children who have English as an additional language.

Key Stage 1

By the end of Key Stage 1

By the end of 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 a sequence of instructions
• Write and test simple programs
• Use logical reasoning to predict the behaviour of simple programs
• Organise, store, manipulate and retrieve data in a range of digital formats
• Communicate safely and respectfully online, keeping personal information private, and recognise common uses of information technology beyond school.

Key Stage 2

By the end of Key Stage 2

By the end of key stage 2 pupils should be taught to:

• Design and write 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; generate appropriate inputs and predicted outputs to test programs
• Use logical reasoning to explain how a simple algorithm works 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
• Describe how internet search engines find and store data; use search engines effectively; be discerning in evaluating digital content; respect individuals and intellectual property; use technology responsibly, securely and safely
• Select, use and combine a variety of software (including internet services) on a range of digital devices to accomplish given goals, including collecting, analysing, evaluating and presenting data and information.