Computing

Computing

‘Alan Turing gave us a mathematical model of digital computing that has completely withstood the test of time. He gave us a very, very, clear description that was truly prophetic.’ George Dyson

Intent

At St Francis CE Primary School, 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.

 The aims of the National Curriculum for computing are:

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

Implementation

At St Francis CE Primary, we enable our pupils to develop their technological skills through a variety of hardware and software. All pupils have opportunities to use iPads, control devices (including Bee Bots and Probots), cameras, interactive whiteboards, data loggers, digital microscopes and other similar resources.

Computing is timetabled for every class to develop knowledge of and skills in:

• e-safety
• programming and coding
• Computational Thinking
• Computer networks (KS2)
• Creating with and using digital devices

There are also many opportunities to transfer these skills and extend their knowledge and understanding across the curriculum.

We aim to make computing purposeful, engaging and challenging in order to prepare our pupils for their future in an ever developing technical world.

From EYFS, pupils are presented with numerous opportunities to use electronic equipment on a daily basis. They are encouraged to interact and explore their environment using a range of multimedia equipment, including digital cameras, iPads and microscopes. Exploratory play with electronic toys, on-screen activities and simple control devices is encouraged. Pupils will discuss electronic equipment in real-life situations (e.g. scanners, microwaves, cash tills, etc.) and investigate how they work. Pupils will understand how batteries make toys work and how the school environment has utilises technology (e.g. photocopier, alarm systems and computing hardware). Pupils will begin to sort, classify or group objects, progressing from practical activities to the use of ICT, e.g., practically sorting fruit into colours, types or shapes and then on-screen.

Computing is often taught in block units to continue to build on prior learning and accelerate progress. Where computing is taught in a weekly timetabled slot, it enables the application of new skills to be used on a cross-curricular basis.

Impact

We aim to make computing purposeful, engaging and challenging in order to prepare our pupils for their future in an ever developing technical world.

Pupils enjoy computing. Whilst at St Francis CE Primary School, they become digital citizens and understand how to use software and hardware in a range of different situations. Our pupils understand the importance of keeping themselves safe and being responsible users of digital technology. Pupils actively seek out opportunities to use technology to support their learning and they can apply their knowledge to support the overall successful functioning of school, such as assembly monitors and house captains in assembly.

At St Francis CE Primary School, the computing curriculum is enriched beyond the statutory requirements by providing opportunities on a cross-curricular basis with innovative application of IT. Pupils at St Francis have opportunities to attend after school clubs to further extend their skills such as Minecraft and newspaper club.