Flapper Fold Lane, Atherton, M46 0HA
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Computing Curriculum Statement

 

Intent

Computing is an integral part of everyday life and will play an immeasurable part of our children’s lives in the future. As Saint Richard’s is located in the top 20% of the most deprived areas in England, It is essential that we equip our children with a rich and deep understanding of the subject. Teaching children how to use computers not only equips them with the skills that they will need to succeed in the future, but it also enables them to have an active role in an ever-changing world. Children at Saint Richard’s are taught to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world. Our children will become digitally literate to ensure they will become active participants in a digital world.

Each child will be able to use the internet in a safe and responsible way. They will become a responsible, competent, confident and creative user of information and communication technology. Children will also use the internet to enhance their learning across the curriculum.

Every child will understand how digital system work, and how to put this knowledge to use through programming.

 

Implementation

The computing curriculum has been designed around three key principles: computer science, information technology and digital literacy. At Saint Richard’s, these principles are met in a variety of ways. Our computing curriculum is designed around the Knowsley Computing Scheme of Work and has been adapted to suit our children.

 

Computer Science

It is the study of the foundational principles and practices of computation and computational thinking. It is also the application of these concepts in the design and development of computer systems.

In Key Stage one, children will understand what algorithms are; how they are implemented; and that programs execute by following precise and unambiguous instructions. They will create and debug simple programs and use logical reasoning to predict the behaviour of simple programs.

In Key Stage two, children will design, write and debug programs that accomplish a specific goals, including controlling or simulating physical systems; solve problems by decomposing them into smaller parts. They will use sequence, selection, and repetition in programs; work with variables and use logical reasoning to explain how simple algorithms work and to detect and correct errors in algorithms and programs.

 

Information Technology

It is the creative and productive use and application of computer systems. It is based on an understanding that technology is everywhere. The children will be able to identify the technology they encounter and have a basic understanding of how it works.

In Key Stage one, children will use technology purposefully to create, organise, store, manipulate and retrieve digital content. They will also recognise common uses of information technology beyond school.

In Key Stage two, children will 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. They will use search technologies effectively, appreciate how results are selected and ranked, and be discerning in evaluating digital content.

 

Digital Literacy

This principle develops the ability to use computer systems confidently and effectively. Digitally literate children can communicate and work more efficiently as they are equipped with the skills, knowledge and understanding to actively partake in social, cultural, economic and intellectual conversations. E-Safety is an integral part of this principle and we ensure that every child has a deep understanding of it.

In Key Stage One, the children will 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.

In key Stage Two, they will select, use and combine a variety of software (including internet services) on a range of digital services to design and create a range of programs, systems and content that accomplish given goals, including collecting, analysing, evaluating and presenting data and information. They will use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly; recognise acceptable/ unacceptable behaviour; identify a range of ways to report concerns about content and contact.

 

Impact

With broad links to the mathematical, science and design technology syllabus, our computing curriculum will provide insights into both natural and artificial systems. Our pupils will be taught computational thinking and will be encouraged to utilise this creativity to change the world. The computer science curriculum will teach children the principles of information and computation, how digital systems work, and how to put this knowledge to use through programming.

We will then build on this knowledge and understanding by allowing children to use information technology to create programs, systems and a range of content on their own. Children will be digitally literate; they will be able to use information technology to express themselves and develop their ideas. These essential skills will be required in a future workplace as the children mature into active participants in a digital world.