Computing
"The computer was born to solve problems that did not exist before."
Bill Gates
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.
Intent
At St John’s, our computing programme aims to instil a sense of enjoyment around using technology and to develop pupil’s appreciation of its capabilities and the opportunities technology has to offer. Pupils at St John’s will develop their confidence when encountering new technology which is a vital skill in its ever changing landscape. Through our curriculum, we intend for pupils not only to be digitally competent and have a range of transferrable skills at a suitable level for the future workplace, but also to be responsible citizens.
By providing a high quality education, we will ensure that children are well equipped for life in the digital world, including developing their understanding of appropriate online behaviour, copyright issues, being discerning consumers of online information and healthy use of technology.
Implementation
Computing at St John’s is taught every term with the first lesson being focused on online safety. Units of lessons are sequential, allowing children to build their skills and knowledge, applying them to a range of tasks. Key skills are revisited continuously with increasing complexity in a spiral curriculum model. Where two year groups are taught in one class, the younger age group unit on a particular area will immediately precede the older age group unit on the same area, wherever possible, so that learning happens in the correct order. These areas are:
- Computer systems and networks
- Programming
- Creating media
- Data handling
- Online safety
Within these areas, three strands are woven throughout:
- Computer science
- Information technology
- Digital literacy
Using the Kapow Primary Computing scheme ensures that children at St John’s will be provided with a broad and balanced coverage of the National Curriculum requirements. Lessons incorporate a range of teaching strategies which keep the lessons engaging and appealing to suit a variety of learning styles.
Impact
Pupils will leave St John’s equipped with a range of skills that will enable them to succeed in their secondary education and be active participants in the ever-increasing digital world. The impact of our curriculum is that children will:
- Be critical thinkers and able to understand how to make informed and appropriate digital choices in the future.
- Understand the importance that computing will have in their future.
- Understand how to balance time spent on technology and time spent away from it in a healthy and appropriate manner.
- Be able to use technology both individually and as part of a collaborative team.
- Be aware of online safety issues and be able to deal with any problems in a responsible and appropriate manner.
- Have an awareness of developments in technology.
- Show a clear progression of technical skills across all areas of the National Curriculum – computer science, information technology and digital literacy.
- Meet the end of key stage expectations outlined in the National Curriculum for Computing.
National Online Safety Platform
By signing up, you will have access to a wealth of resources to support your children to stay safe online. If you are having any difficulties signing up, please contact the school office and we will support you to access this.
https://nationalcollege.com/enrol/st-john-s-cofe-school-ba12-9jy
