Computing
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At Mount Pleasant Primary we believe that computing is an essential part of the national curriculum. Computing is an integral part of modern day life and therefore provides a wealth of learning opportunities, explicitly within computing and also across other curriculum subjects. Through the study of computing, children are able to develop a wide range of fundamental skills, knowledge and understanding that they will need for the rest of their lives. Computers have become a part of everyday life. For most of us, technology is essential to our daily lives, at home and at work. ‘Computational thinking’ is a skill children must be taught in order to provide them with essential knowledge and skills that will enable them to participate effectively in the digital world.
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We teach the requirements of the new Computing curriculum that aims to ensure that all pupils can understanding and apply the most important principles and concepts of computer science. 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. Children are able to use, and express themselves and develop their ideas through, information and communication technology and as active participants in a digital world. These three underlined aspects correlate to the three areas of Computer Science (CS), Information technology (IT) and Digital Literacy (DL) and how they are connected. The three aspects of the subject Computing can be taught throughout the primary age range.
The aims of teaching Computing, as outlined in the national curriculum are to ensure that all pupils:
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can understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation
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can analyse problems in computational terms, and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems
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can evaluate and apply information technology, including new or unfamiliar technologies, analytically to solve problems
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are responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology
Key stage 1
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Pupils should be taught:
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understand what algorithms are, how they are implemented as programs on digital devices, and that programs execute by following precise and unambiguous instructions
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create and debug simple programs
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use logical reasoning to predict the behaviour of simple programs
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use technology purposefully to create, organise, store, manipulate and retrieve digital content
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recognise common uses of information technology beyond school
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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
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Key stage 2
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Pupils should be taught:
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design, write and debug programs that accomplish specific goals, including controlling or simulating physical systems; solve problems by decomposing them into smaller parts
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use sequence, selection, and repetition in programs; work with variables and various forms of input and output
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use logical reasoning to explain how some simple algorithms work and to detect and correct errors in algorithms and programs
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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
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use search technologies effectively, appreciate how results are selected and ranked, and be discerning in evaluating digital content
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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
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use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly; recognise acceptable/unacceptable behaviour; identify a range of ways to report concerns about content and contact
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Computing
Overview
Digital Literacy
This involves the teaching of online safety where children are taught to use technology safely and respectfully, keep personal information private and evaluate the internet content for suitability and report any inappropriate webpages to staff and parents. We also encourage the children to stay safe on the internet. Here are some useful links around the topic of Online Safety:
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A website providing a range of activities to see how you can stay safe on the internet.
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This website uses a customised google search to ensure that the safest, most child friendly websites appear each time.
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This website provides a guide to internet safety and safe surfing for young people in association with The Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP).