Computing

Subject Leader - Kelly Tarrant until November 2021

" The leader with responsibility for information and communication technology (ICT), for example, is an enthusiastic advocate for her subject. She takes a broad, ambitious view of the role of modern technology in extending pupils’ opportunities to communicate and learn from a wider range of sources." (Ofsted, May 2016)

"An early example of the close linking of different disciplines they aim for is evident in a Year 4 project to create an animated film, which requires pupils to exercise story-boarding, graphic design and modelling skills." (Ofsted, May 2016)

"Pupils are encouraged towards a broader view of the world by initiatives such as the video link established with a school in the Middle East allowing class-to-class dialogue. A web dialogue established for Year 4 pupils with an author gave pupils a very real insight into the creative process." (Ofsted, May 2016)

National Curriculum

Here is an overview of National Curriculum objectives for Computing.

KS1

Pupils should 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 where to go for help and support when they have concerns about content or contact on the internet or other online technologies.

KS2

Pupils should be taught to:

• design, write and debug programs that accomplish specific goals, including controlling or simulating 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.

In Spring 2021 we started using Purple Mash for our Computing Curriculum. Every child in school has their own Purple Mash login.

During Home Learning we use a combination of Oak Learning, Computing Unplugged activities from Computing at School and from late Spring 2021, Purple Mash.

Supporting Your Child

Our monthly newsletter will share hints and tips of ways you can support your child in Computing. You might also want them to think about programming using Scratch or developing their Digital Literacy by supporting them to create stories. Please feel free to see Miss Tarrant for more ideas of how you can support your child.

Looking for somewhere to visit? Check out the Computing History Museum in Cambridge.