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 develops the priorities for pupils at Wolsingham Primary School in the following ways:
Basic skills – The Computing curriculum allows plenty of opportunities for children to develop their communication skills (particularly electronic means of communicating). It also provides children with the knowledge of software packages to develop their writing skills using technology e.g. developing editing skills. Mathematical skills are also taught through data gathering and presentation as well as through learning about spreadsheets.
Resilience and Perseverance – Children are encouraged to provide solutions for algorithms that do not work; to debug their own systems to reach an end goal point in their programming independently as well as learning to be resilient in matters of e-safety e.g. understanding what to do if a friendship breaks down because of online contact. It also encourages perseverance in using different types of technology and software, beginning to understand how skills from one piece of software can be used in a different programme.
Social Awareness – Our e-safety curriculum is designed to develop social awareness. Throughout the school, children are expected to develop an understanding of how to treat others online, understanding how messages can be taken that are posted on social media. In Upper Key Stage 2, this is also developed into thinking about how images can be manipulated to change self-image and promote a different look online. It is also designed to develop their tolerance of others.
Knowledge – Children are expected to develop their understanding and knowledge of different programmes and then this can be applied in other parts of the curriculum and their future lives to enhance learning and understanding e.g. developing an understanding of research and being able to use this in History or Geography or presentational skills to present writing using different media.
Computing in the Early Years
A technological child in the early years will be exposed to a range of technological toys such as those with knobs and pulleys, developing a skill in making toys work by pressing parts or lifting flaps to achieve effects such as sound, movements or new images. They will seek to acquire basic skills in turning on and operating basic ICT equipment. They will learn that information is retrieved from computers, and how to do this with support. They will interact with age appropriate computer software, and ICT hardware, operating a simple computer program, and other technological resources such as remote control cars, torches, cameras etc. They will recognise that a range of technology is used in places such as homes and schools, selecting technology for a purpose. A lot of learning in the early years takes place through purposeful play, both indoors and outdoors. Towards the end of Reception children will be learning skills to equip them for their future learning and later success in Year 1.
