Computing

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Computing Rationale

With technology playing such a significant role in society today, we believe ‘Computational Thinking’ (problem solving, analysing and evaluating) is an essential skill children must be taught if they are to be able to participate effectively and safely in our digital world.  Every child should have the opportunity to use and experience a range of technologies. We aim for children to become confident technology users who are, at minimum, computer literate; enabling them to fulfil their potential and thrive in an increasingly computer-reliant world. Our pupils learn key computer skills which includes developing typing fluency, researching online, coding and data handling which will support them throughout their future. Computing skills are developed and taught progressively to ensure that there skills are regularly practiced and built upon

Intent

At Dunswell Academy , we encourage children to use their computational thinking to solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts, considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values. We aim to, wherever possible, ensure that our Computing curriculum is integrated throughout all areas of curriculum and effectively modelled by knowledgeable staff. This enables children to become effective users of technology who understand and apply the essential principles and concepts of the Computing curriculum and therefore communicate ideas well by utilising technology and devices throughout all areas of the curriculum.

At Dunswell Academy, we teach the Computing curriculum using the ‘Teach Computing’ scheme. This detailed scheme plots objectives for each year group and ensures that the skills and knowledge children are gaining is built upon year by year. Using the scheme ensures that children will have a deep understanding of key concepts to ensure they have core knowledge, excellent skills and confidence to engage well with technology and prepare them to be successful in a digital world. The key concepts are revisited and developed as the children move through school to ensure that these skills are firmly embedded. The key concepts are:

  • Computing systems and networks – this includes systems, networks and how they are used, the internet, hardware and software.
  • Programming – (interpreting, creating and evaluating algorithms, programming to accomplish specific goals, detecting and correcting errors)
  • Data and Information – collecting, analysing, evaluating, presenting data and information
  • Creating media – design and development, communicating and collaborating online, evaluating online content, respectful and responsible communication, presenting and creating content

The computing scheme ensures coverage so that children can meet the National Curriculum objectives.

By the end of Key Stage One most children will be able 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

By the end of Key Stage Two most children will be able 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

 

Implementation

Dunswell Academy children experience regular computing sessions, this allows them sufficient time to become fluent in their knowledge and skills, and embed revisited knowledge throughout the year. Key knowledge and skills for Computing have been mapped across the school from EYFS to Year 6 to ensure progression between year groups. The Teach Computing scheme clearly maps out the six units which should be taught in each year group and the class teacher then has the freedom to teach these in the order that they choose to fit in with their long-term plan.

A component of our Computing curriculum is ‘Internet Safety’, in which we equip children with the knowledge they need to keep themselves and others safe online. Our Computing curriculum prepares our children for the ever changing world of technology and enables children to become digitally literate thus preparing them for the future workplace and as active participants in a digital world.

It is important the curriculum promotes tolerance, cultural diversity and in turn mutual respect. We link this to pupils’ behaviour online and how mutual respect and tolerance is applicable to the online world as well as in society. Respect is key to ensure that our children know that their actions online can affect the feelings of others. Responsibility and accountability of our children to develop the enthusiasm to become users and programmers of information and communication technology for positive purposes.

Impact

Children will leave Dunswell Academy digitally literate and able to access the digital world in which we live. They will be equipped with the skills and knowledge to use technology effectively and for their own purpose, but more importantly in a safe manner. The biggest impact we want for our children is that they understand the consequences of using the Internet and for them to be aware of how to keep themselves safe online.

 

An integral part of computing is using the children’s ability to develop digital content in a creative way. Programs are created on digital devices and as such are not recorded in the same way as written learning. Learning may be recorded in many ways including but not limited to: printed screenshots of creations, saved programs, Powerpoints, word documents, written work, photographs and video recordings. Feedback is given verbally to children in order to support them to progress within and across lessons.

Each unit will end with a summative assessment which will be monitored by the class teacher. These outcomes are passed on to the next teacher to support learning in the next similar unit.