Computing
Intent
At Heytesbury C of E Primary School we strive for all children to become fluent in the fundamentals of Computing which will develop their confidence and ability to interact safely with technology in the world beyond the school curriculum.
Our vision is to support children in becoming creative, independent learners and ensure they develop a healthy relationship with technology. We strive to provide safe opportunities in computing to motivate, inspire and raise standards across the curriculum. We aim for our children to be equipped with the digital skills to meet developing technology with confidence, enthusiasm and to prepare them for a future in an ever-changing world.
Children are taught to understand that technology is an integral part of modern life and the key to the future is to harness and understand technology’s potential. Computing is a constantly evolving subject that involves solving complex problems, being able to collaborate with others, learn from mistakes and refine solutions.
Implementation
Linking with the national curriculum and the EYFS framework we use the Rising Stars Computing scheme to develop focused, logically sequenced sessions that equip all children with the essential skills and knowledge they need to use technology safely and creatively. The requirements of the Computing Curriculum are taught through units of work, where the children have access to a wide range of technology including computers and ipads. The curriculum is carefully mapped out to ensure that pupils acquire knowledge, vocabulary and skills in a well-thought out and progressive manner.
Pupils participate in regular Computing and E-Safety lessons. Also, given the cross-curricular nature of computing and the opportunities to expand and develop lessons that its inclusion provides these elements are regularly incorporated into other subjects.
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.
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.
Impact
After the implementation of the Computing and E-Safety curriculum, children at Heytesbury C of E Primary School will be digitally literate, competent users of a wide range of technology and equipped to use technology effectively and safely. Children will understand how and why computing can be used in the wider world. They will also understand the consequences of using the internet and also be knowledgeable on how to keep themselves safe online.
Confidence in this subject will enable our children to become independent and competent in key life skills such as problem-solving, logical thinking and evaluation.
