Computing

Pre-amble

Nowadays the average age a child gets a smart phone is 10.  Additionally many have access to the internet via a mobile device/game console.  Our world is only going to become more technologically-driven.  Everyday technology, such as self-driving vehicles and robots are becoming real possibilities.  Simply teaching children computer science will help them live in the world now and the future world.

Intent

By the time they leave HFS, pupils will have gained key knowledge and skills in the three main areas of the computing curriculum:

• Computer Science
  They will understand programming, how digital systems work, how it can be used to solve problems, to be creative, and to link up with other people/communities.
   
• Information Technology
  Using computer systems to store, retrieve, analyse and send information.
   
• Digital Literacy
  Evaluating digital content, and assessing its validity.
  Using the internet safely and respectfully. Understanding how to report concerns.
  How to work collaboratively and share ideas and research.
  Understand the concept of ‘digital footprint’ and how to maintain it appropriately.
   
   
   

…… Aspire not to have more, but to be more……

Computing replaces Information and Communication Technology (ICT), with a greater focus on programming rather than an operating program. The computing skill is an essential skill that children must develop in order to access the modern world. Technology surrounds us and is developing at an ever-increasing pace. In order to equip our children for this, we must develop their critical thinking skills and encourage an exposure to a range of technology so that they may adapt to new technologies as they arise.

The Computing Curriculum 2014 aims to ensure that all pupils can understand and apply the most important principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation. In other words, it gives children the necessary skills to break down a problem, predict what will happen and use logic to find a solution through practical experiences.

At Holy Family we are dedicated to helping each child acquire the above-mentioned skills. The following strands are taught in all the year groups:

Computer Science

This involves children being taught computer science, which includes the art of programming and coding from Years 1-6 as well as in the Foundation Stage. Computing is taught both explicitly and discretely where it underpins lessons in other areas of the curriculum.

Computer Curriculum Journey

https://static.teachcomputing.org/curriculum_journey.pdf?_ga=2.255303432.1696936220.1615394342-503653345.1604568864

EYFS

Computer Science is taught in its most simplest form by playing operational games like 'Simon says', 'Everybody do this', 'Follow the leader' etc. This ensures that children understand the need to follow instructions and listens to commands. They would then progress to looking at physical objects like Beebots in cross curricular learning. In addition, children will also be encouraged to use iPad apps like Beebot app, Daisy the dinosaur, Toca boca building, ALEX and Scratch Jnr where the children can progressively apply the computing skills.

Key Stage 1

Children will be learning what algorithms are, which will not always involve computers. When explained as "a set of instructions" these ideas can be illustrated using recipes, or by breaking down the steps of children's morning routines. But they will also be creating and debugging simple programs of their own, developing logical reasoning skills and taking their first steps in using devices to create, organise, store, manipulate and retrieve digital content using apps like Scratch Jnr, ALEX, Daisy the dinosaur; software programmes like j2code and use of equipment like Beebots and Probots.

Key Stage 2

Computing is taught through discreet programming lessons using the software Scratch and Raspberry Pi where the children learn about data, algorithms, repetition, iteration and computer networks. Children will be creating and debugging more complicated programs with specific goals and understanding concepts like variables and sequence, selection and repetition in programs. They will be developing their logical reasoning skills and learning to use websites and other internet services. This will enable children to develop an understanding of the principles of Computer Science by promoting and developing their computational thinking.

Creative use of IT

This involves children's purposeful use of digital technologies across the curriculum to create, organise, store, manipulate and retrieve digital content as well as recognise common uses of information technology beyond school.

Digital Literacy

This involves the teaching of eSafety where children are taught to use technology safely and respectfully, keep personal information private and evaluate the internet content for suitability and report any inappropriate webpages to staff and parents.