Computing
Intent
At The Holy Spirit, our aim is to provide a high-quality computing education which equips children to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world. The curriculum will teach children key knowledge about how computers and computer systems work, and how they are designed and programmed. Learners will have the opportunity to gain an understanding of computational systems, develop their ability to use coding for a variety of practical and inventive purposes; learn to connect with others safely and respectfully; to communicate ideas well by using applications and devices and to collect, organise and manipulate data effectively.
In Computing we teach the principles of information and computation, how digital systems work, and how to put this knowledge to use through programming. We will build on this knowledge and understanding so that pupils use information technology to create programs, systems and a range of content. We will focus on being safe whilst working in a digital environment and understand the digital footprint we leave. The curriculum will develop pupil’s digital literacy – so that they able to use, and express themselves at a level suitable for the future workplace and as active participants in a digital world.
Through our Computing curriculum we aim to build on pupils’ self-confidence and give each child a sense of achievement by:
- Enable each child to develop at his/her own level and pace.
- To foster enjoyment of all aspects of Computing and Technology.
- To provide children with opportunities to try a range of computing processes.
- To develop computing controls and skills.
- To develop a creative ability in computing and publishing.
- To produce documents to share with peers, staff and parents.
- To promote positive attitudes and enthusiasm for computing activities in school.
- To develop children’s social skills and awareness when they use a range of media and online resources.
These aims are achieved by providing; Well-resourced computing sessions where children fully engage and take part to listen, investigate, create and discover; The development of the everyday computing skills to achieve progression both in and out of school; Challenging, motivating and relevant computing activities; Opportunities to create and record digital pieces of work in connection to other lessons taught.
E-Safety and responsible use online:
Holy Spirit is committed to online safety for all users and educating pupils about potential dangers and risks when using the internet. Through good examples of using technology for learning and enjoying opportunities to learn about the world, children will understand what it means to be safe and what processes they need to follow as they continue their school lives. We keep children safe online through a strong web filtering system, staff awareness and vigilance and an ongoing programme of assemblies and lessons to teach children online safety skills.
Implementation
Computing is taught using a blocked curriculum approach. This ensures children are able to develop depth in their knowledge and skills over the duration of each of their computing topics. Knowledge and skills are mapped across each topic and year group to ensure systematic progression. All year groups have the opportunity to use a range of devices and programs for many purposes across the wider curriculum, as well as in discrete computing lessons. Employing cross-curricular links motivates pupils and supports them to make connections and remember the steps they have been taught.
KS1 will be taught how 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.
KS2 will be taught how 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.
Impact
Pupil’s progress in computing provides them with the potential to expand the presentation and research skills and to express themselves through their work. To reach this point, summative and on-going formative assessments take place throughout the year and teachers use this information to inform future sessions; ensuring pupils are moved on and challenged appropriately. Further information is gathered by the Computing Coordinator including pupil voice, lesson observations and work scrutiny; strengths are highlighted and next steps are created so an improvement in knowledge and skills can be embedded. The work of the subject leader also involves supporting colleagues in the teaching of Computing, being informed about current developments in the subject, and providing a strategic lead and direction for the subject in the school. The Computing Coordinator has specially-allocated, regular management time in order to review evidence of the children's work and undertake lesson observations of Computing teaching across the school. Staff are provided with resources and planning for all year groups from the Teach Computing scheme which can then be adapted to suit the needs of each class. The Computing Coordinator will write an annual action plan in which they will evaluate the strengths and weaknesses in the subject and indicates areas for further improvement.