Chirton Primary

Computing

The new National Curriculum has seen significant changes for what was previously known as ICT.  Computing is the subject title that now covers the teaching and learning of specific computer skills, with an increased focus on computer programming.

The use of information and communication technology is an integral part of our curriculum and is a key skill for everyday life.  Computers, ipads, programmable robots, digital and video cameras are a few of the tools that can be used to acquire, organise, store, manipulate, interpret, communicate and present information.  At Chirton we recognise that pupils are entitled to quality hardware and software and a structured and progressive approach to the learning of the skills needed to enable them to use it effectively.

Aims

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.

Subject Content

At Key Stage 1 pupils will be taught to:

  • understand what algorithms are, how they are implemented as programs on digital devices, and that programs execute by following precise and unambiguous instructions;
  • create and debug simple programs;
  • use logical reasoning to predict the behaviour of simple programs;
  • use technology purposefully to create, organise, store, manipulate and retrieve digital content;
  • recognise common uses of information technology beyond school;
  • use technology safely and respectfully, keeping personal information private, identify to go for help and support when they have concerns about content or contact on the internet or other online technologies.

At Key Stage 2 pupils will be taught to:

  • design, write and debug programs that accomplish specific goals, including controlling or stimulating physical systems;
  • solve problems by decomposing them into smaller parts;
  • use sequence, selection and repetition in programs;
  • work with variables and various forms of input and output;
  • use logical reasoning to explain how some simple algorithms work and to detect and correct errors in algorithms and programs;
  • 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;
  • use search technologies effectively, appreciate how results are selected and ranked, and be discerning in evaluating digital content;
  • select, use and combine a variety of software (including internet services) on a range of digital devices to design and create a range of programs, systems and content that accomplish given goals, including collecting, analysing, evaluating and presenting data and information;
  • use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly; recognise acceptable/unacceptable behaviour;
  • identify a range of ways to report concerns about content and contact.

Internet Safety

Keeping your child safe on the internet is something we take extremely seriously.  We discuss e-safety regularly in class.  For more advice check out our Online Safety Policy.