Computing Curriculum

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Look at the amazing things going on in Computing at St Paulinus

Curriculum Intent: The Curriculum Plan

What are the aims of our programme of study.

Computing is an essential life skill in modern society. Our aim is to produce learners who are confident and effective users of technology. We believe that all pupils have an entitlement to the Computing curriculum regardless of gender, disability, ethnicity, social class or special learning needs and we will ensure that our provision meets the needs of all learners. We recognise that technology has the ability to motivate and enthuse pupils, to enable them to work individually, co-operatively and collaboratively and to develop perseverance and flexibility and we will plan opportunities for pupils to develop these skills. Our aim is to ensure that all pupils achieve high standards in Computing and to develop the knowledge, skills and understanding required to become confident and competent users of technology.

At St Paulinus we follow the national Curriculum, which clearly identifies the aims Computing as:

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

The curriculum covers three core themes:

Computer Science (CS); Information Technology (IT); Digital Literacy (DL)

Key stage 1 Pupils will 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.

Key stage 2 Pupils will 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.

Children have weekly lessons in Computing throughout their life at St Paulinus as well as using of technology through cross-curricular work.

The programme of study for each year group builds upon previous knowledge year on year and through the academic year. It is organised in such a way that the children revisit and revise key skills as they go through the school allowing them to gain confidence.

The curriculum is taught to all pupils and relevant and appropriate methods such as differentiation, scaffolding, pre-teaching, shorter lessons or supportive resources is given to pupils who may need it, including those with Special Educational Needs.

Curriculum Implementation:

How we teach computing.

Early Years Foundation Stage

In the Early Years Foundation Stage Computing is part of Knowledge and Understanding of the World. Computing is planned across the continuous curriculum, is included in other areas of learning and throughout the learning environment. Foundation Stage children experience Computing in its widest sense, exploring the use of technology for different purposes using a wide range of technologies including: electronic toys in role play settings; programmable and remote controlled toys; digital cameras and computers. Technology is also used in the outdoor learning environment. Children begin to explore simple applications, mouse and keyboard skills.

Key Stages 1 and 2

The school has developed a scheme of work for Computing, which ensures that all pupils receive the statutory entitlement as described by the Computing programme of study in the National Curriculum.

Year 1, children will be exposed to the skills and knowledge areas outlined in the National Curriculum for Key Stage 1. They will begin to develop their competence and expertise in them.
Year 2, children will consolidate their understanding and deepen their knowledge. They will practise the skills and master these ready for moving into Key Stage 2.
Year 3, children will be exposed to the skills and knowledge areas outlined in the national Curriculum for Key Stage 2 . They will begin to develop their competence and expertise in them.
Year 4, children will consolidate their understanding and deepen their knowledge. They will practise the skills and master these ready for moving into Upper Key Stage 2.
Year 5, children will be exposed to these skills and knowledge areas. They will begin to develop their competence and expertise in them.
Year 6, children will consolidate their understanding and deepen their knowledge. They will practise and master these skills.

Children will learn skills across a range of topics including coding and programming their own games and apps! There is also opportunity for them to develop and refine other computer life skills such as typing, word processing, data handling, creating and editing pictures etc. Central to all of the work covered is how to use the Internet in an effective way including how to keep safe, protect our information and about cyber-bullying. We have introduced a scheme of work to support online safety take part in Safer Internet Day every year when we have a day off timetable to concentrate on Internet safety.

All Children have weekly access to our ICT Suite where they can develop their creative computing skills to help them make their own games, animations, create comics, compose music and more!

Although many lessons are taken in the ICT suite, Computing lesson can involve unplugged (without computers) and outdoor learning, as children understand the concepts and the use of technology for different purposes.

Work in subject lessons is also supplemented by the use of technology through cross curricular work using iPads.

Children have the opportunity self and peer assessment and are formally assessed after each unit using formative and summative assessment as appropriate. They are involved in keeping their own record of their computing skills using ‘I can’ statements. Next steps for learning are shared with pupils so that they know how to improve. Each child keeps a portfolio of their work either on the school server or learning platform, which shows their progress in the three core themes of Computing.