Computing
Our curriculum here at St. Paul’s is driven by our vision and values.
Learning Together Following Jesus
Christian values are the heartbeat of our school. Seeking to be respectful, responsible, and empowering global citizens, we follow the words of St Paul, 'Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart.' In this context, rejoicing in Jesus' love and compassion for all, we pursue excellence as we celebrate everyone's uniqueness in a broad, rich and balanced curriculum.
Intent
In Computing, we implement an inclusive curriculum that meets the requirements of the National Curriculum. Our curriculum is well-planned and provides cross-curricular opportunities. The Computing Curriculum has three strands: Computer Science, Digital Literacy and Information Technology, and children develop their knowledge and skills in these areas. Children analyse problems in computational terms and have practical experience of writing computer programs, in order to solve problems. They evaluate and apply information technology, including new or unfamiliar technologies. Creativity is at the heart of our computing curriculum, and children can extend their learning by applying skills learnt in school at home and beyond. Children will learn to use a range of programs that they can use across the curriculum. Our curriculum is delivered through highly effective ‘quality first teaching’ and children use iPads to access these lessons.
Implementation
At St. Paul’s we implement a sequenced and progressive computing curriculum inclusive for all learners in our school from Reception to Year 6. Our computing curriculum is delivered through Purple Mash and enhanced through our wider curriculum Cornerstones, that provides opportunities for the children to further develop and apply their computing skills and knowledge.
Early Years
We aim to provide our pupils with a broad, play-based experience of Computing in a range of contexts. We believe the following:
Early Years learning environments should feature ICT scenarios based on experience in the real world, such as in roleplay.
Pupils gain confidence, control and language skills through opportunities to use the interactive board, desktop computer, ipads or control remotely operated toys including BeeBots.
Outdoor exploration is an important aspect, supported by ICT toys.
Recording devices can support children to develop their communication skills. This is especially useful for children who may have English as an additional language.
Key Stage 1
Children will:
- 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.
- 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
Children will:
- 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.
- Our Computing curriculum promotes children’s Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural development, ensuring that they are reflective and responsible citizens. Fundamental British Values are actively promoted in computing lessons in order to prepare the children for life in Modern Britain.
Impact
Our Computing curriculum enables children to become both users and creators. Across all phases of the school, children understand algorithms and programming and how this all fits into our digital world.