Computing - our intent
At Iveson, we want pupils to access the digital world in a way that is responsible, creative and innovative.
We believe that pupils should have access to a computing education that enhances their understanding of a digital world, encouraging them to use computational thinking and creativity to demonstrate their understanding of the wider curriculum and showcase the skills that they have learned.
We want our pupils to have a clear understanding of digital systems work and how technology can be used in all aspects of modern society. Children are encouraged to explore algorithms and simple processes, before gaining experience in writing their own programs with a purpose in mind. Children are given the opportunity to discuss how technology can be used in everyday life, and to have the chance to express themselves using different media.
Our aim is for children to be able to use technology online safely and securely, understanding the risks posed and having strategies to navigate and manage these risks. We want our learners to access the information available to them quickly and effectively, understanding copyright and ownership principles as well as producing work that is their own, referencing what they have learned through searching online.
“We need technology in every classroom and in every student and teacher’s hand, because it is the pen and paper of our time, and it is the lens through which we experience much of our world.”
David Warlick
Computing was taken out of the Early Years Statutory Framework in 2022. However, here at Iveson the children have access to a range of technology including; push and pull toys, bee-bots, interactive whiteboards, ipads, cameras and laptops.
Children are taught that people, books and the internet are a great resource for information gathering and fact finding.
Children are introduced to Purple Mash and the use of ipads in readiness for Year One.
Purpose of study
A high-quality computing education equips pupils to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world. Computing has deep links with mathematics, science, and design and technology, and provides insights into both natural and artificial systems. The core of computing is computer science, in which pupils are taught the principles of information and computation, how digital systems work, and how to put this knowledge to use through programming. Building on this knowledge and understanding, pupils are equipped to use information technology to create programs, systems and a range of content. Computing also ensures that pupils become digitally literate – able to use, and express themselves and develop their ideas through, information and communication technology – at a level suitable for the future workplace and as active participants in a digital world.
Aims
The national curriculum for computing aims to ensure that all pupils:
- can understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation
- 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.
Attainment targets
By the end of each key stage, pupils are expected to know, apply and understand the matters, skills and processes specified in the relevant programme of study.
Schools are not required by law to teach the example content in [square brackets].
Subject content
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 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 should 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.
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