Computing

The 2014 National Curriculum for Computing aims to ensure that all children:

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

INTENT

We intend for our children to become responsible and respectful users of technology with the knowledge of its place in the ever-changing world. They will grow their knowledge of online safety and their own digital footprint. Through this, they will develop independence and become autonomous in understanding what is right, what is wrong, and how to deal with this with integrity. We want our pupils to be able to operate in the 21^st century workplace and we want them to know the career opportunities that will be open to them through Computing.

We endeavour to provide computing opportunities throughout each area of the curriculum. Through the development of knowledge around sources, cause & consequence and their own questioning and enquiries into the digital world, children will become honest, reflective and resilient individuals. The objectives within each strand support the development of learning across the key stages, ensuring a solid grounding for future learning across the key stages.

IMPLEMENTATION

Children explore computing through a wide range of topics and hands-on opportunities. This exploration is implemented with a range of technology types, visits, workshops and virtual experiences that enhance the development of knowledge. Our curriculum is planned as such that it provides our children with regular opportunities to revise and revisit their learning. Lessons contain theoretical content and practical application across Digital Literacy, Computer Science and Information Technology.

The three strands of Computing will be taught within mixed aged classes. Digital Literacy and Information Technology will be taught both discreetly and embedded into other areas of the curriculum, as the class teacher feels is appropriate. Computer Science will be taught discreetly to ensure that specific curriculum skills and knowledge are being developed and deepened; meaningful links will be made between Computing Science and the wider curriculum where appropriate.

In Computing lessons, the children will use Chromebooks with individual logins; where possible children may have access to use iPads to access a range of apps and software.

Staff subject knowledge and pedagogical skills will be developed through a variety of Continuing Professional Development, see the Computing Action Plan for further details.

IMPACT

Children of MBHT leave school with the skills and knowledge needed for the digital aspect of life in the community. They are confident, digitally literate individuals who understand how to use technology to make a positive impact on society. They have a broad range of subject knowledge that enables them to problem solve, innovate and take calculated risks to become capable and respected citizens. This is then a platform for children to explore their future with a well-informed knowledgeable understanding of how to appropriately approach new or unfamiliar technologies. We endeavour to ensure that children realise a healthy balance with the virtual world and real-life so that they can continue to build on their knowledge and skills in the next stage of their education and beyond.

Wider Curriculum

In Computing, we strive to provide a well-planned enrichment programme which promotes a passion for computer science and technology. At MBHT, we pledge to work with local software development organisations and higher education institutes to give our children opportunities to develop a love for computing and inspire them to strive for excellence.

We pledge to provide a coding club to our KS2 pupils throughout the year, which compliments our curriculum and enables children to further develop their computing skills. Within coding club, they will explore robotics, coding, programming and software development. We work with a local expert to provide this exciting opportunity for our pupils.

Careers

There are so many amazing careers in the field of computing. Some of the main skills needed for these roles are development, innovation, programming, design and coding. Careers in computing can span many different specialist areas.

The teaching and learning of computing supports careers, such as:

Games designer
Programme tester
Robotics engineer
Application developer
Computer scientist
Website designer
Data manager
Systems programmer
Computer Security Consultant
Software Developer

SMSC

Students are continually reflecting on their own lives and the lives of others as they look at various computing case studies. Students debate and formulate their own set of values and beliefs through case studies as they share their own experiences. Computing provides opportunities for reflection of awe and wonder about the achievements in computing today and the possibilities for the future. Computing lets students have the opportunity to reflect on how computers can sometimes perform better in certain activities than people. To promote students’ spiritual development, their sense of self and their will to achieve, the computing department continually takes the opportunity to praise students for their contribution in lessons.

Through real life case studies, students consider issues surrounding the misuse and access rights to personal data. The use of case studies in computing encourages students to draw conclusions through evidence rather than their preconceptions whilst allowing the students the time to reflect on the origins of their own personal perceptions of a topic. Students consider the effects of social networking and the consequences of cyber bullying; they also consider the legal aspects of computing including the Data Protection Act, Computer Misuse Act and Copyright legislation. They consider the implications of file sharing and downloading illegally and the penalties for engaging in this type of activity. Students also consider the moral aspects of developments in technology including the use of CCTV cameras, Speed Cameras and Loyalty Cards to balance up people’s rights and responsibilities.

Computing helps students to explore aspects of real and imaginary situations and enables them to reflect on the possible consequences of different actions and situations. It can raise issues such as whether it is morally right to have computer games whose aim is killing and violence, and whether it is fair that some people in this country and in other countries cannot use the internet. Other moral issues surrounding the topics of e-waste and the digital divide are also explored through case studies. The use of case studies in ICT encourages students to draw conclusions through evidence rather than their preconceptions whilst allowing the students the time to reflect on the origins of their own personal perceptions of a topic.

As part of the computing curriculum students are taught to think and produce work that reflects the needs of diverse audiences within our community and the wider community. As students develop their skills in a range of software they are challenged to work in groups to find solutions whilst developing respect for the ideas and opinions of others in their team. This is particularly prevalent in the design phase of tasks given. In addition students are encouraged to develop their team working skills through collaborative work and research. The students also explore the concept of teams and the roles that individuals have to play. Computing can also help all students to express themselves clearly and to communicate. As students’ progress through their learning they will consider more complex social needs and are encouraged to research and work collaboratively to find appropriate solutions to issues that may affect particular groups within society.

Computational thinking encourages students to develop and explore their problem solving skills. Computing Empowers students to apply their ICT and computing skills and to gain knowledge of how programming links between subjects for instance maths. Students explore how developments in technology have changed our culture, particularly the rise in social networking sites and the ability to communicate instantly across National and International borders. Computing involves the breaking through of linguistic and cultural barriers. It is possible to e-mail or chat across the world and to word process in the mother tongue. Whilst studying various aspects of computing students are asked to reflect on how different cultures are portrayed on the internet and why or who is portraying them in this way. Students are also challenged to think about how differing cultures access and use the internet and what implications this has on the individual and the culture.

British Values

In computing we are learning to understand and be considerate to the views of other internet users. We understand that we are each part of the democracy of the internet and that we can each, in our own small way, affect the way the internet exists. We understand the use of rules on computers and the internet, such as when we are allowed to use social media and what we are allowed to post and share. We understand that rules are to keep others and ourselves safe and to help the internet to be an enjoyable and engaging place.

In computing we understand how to use our right to freedom of speech in a respectable and thoughtful way, being considerate of how this speech will affect others. We understand the freedom the internet and computers offer us in discovering information and connecting us with the world. We appreciate and understand the views of others, our right to challenge, question and discuss opinions and views, and to do this in a respectable and thoughtful way. We understand that as we are connected with the world while accessing the internet, we are exposed to the widest range of views, and we are learning to respect them. We understand that we are connected to people across the whole world. We understand that these are people from different communities, cultures, faiths and beliefs. We use the opportunities offered in computing to question, challenge and understand people with these different characteristics to support and develop our tolerance of them.

Protected Characteristics

At MBHT C of E Primary School, we want to give our children an open, respectful and realistic mindset towards the wonderful world we live in and how this relates to computing. We strive to expose them to a range of significant individuals from all different backgrounds related to the protected characteristics, and have planned for this in our varied curriculum.

We also want our children to understand how computing is working to help eliminate barriers, spread messages of acceptance and enable communities from across the globe to come together. We hope our children will continue to be the innovators of the future who with continue to stretch the realms of technology to help make the world a better place for everyone.

Useful links and websites

Things you can do with your child in the local area related to computing include: