Computing

​At Leighterton Primary School, we recognise IT encompasses every part of modern life and it is important that our children are taught how to use these tools and more importantly, how to use them safely. We believe that it is important for children, staff and the wider school community to have the confidence and ability to use these tools to prepare them for an ever-changing and rapidly developing world.  

‘Artificial intelligence is the new electricity.’ – Andrew Ng

‘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.’ – National Curriculum 2013

Our overarching aim for Computing is to enable all our staff and pupils to be confident, competent, independent and safe users and learners of ICT.

 National Curriculum 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.

National Curriculum 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.

The Computing curriculum at Leighterton Primary School is built around the statutory content of the 2014 National Curriculum and the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum. Computing is a foundation subject; the National Curriculum programmes of study include:

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.

At our school, our Computing curriculum is underpinned by the Teach Computing scheme of work. It is taught in blocks within a two-year rolling programme to provide depth and focus. Each unit is explored through one of four learning lenses: Computing Systems and Networks, Creating Media, Programming and Data and Information. These lenses help pupils build secure knowledge and develop strong computingskills.

Early Years Foundation Stage

Within the Early Years Foundation Stage, the specific areas of ‘Personal, Social and Emotional Development’ and ‘Understanding the World’ help children to develop a positive sense of themselves and others; form positive relationships and develop respect for others; develop social skills and learn how to manage their feelings; understand appropriate behaviour in groups; and to explore, observe and find out about people, places, technology and the environment.

Continuous provision is resourced to ensure that pupils are given the opportunity to explore the world around them and how technology can be used to support their exploration, via iPads, whiteboards and laptops.