Computing Curriculum Overview..

Early Years and Computing statement

Intent

In an ever-developing technological world it is fair to say that computers are now an integral part of our everyday lives; technology is essential at home and at work. Therefore, we at Bounds Green believe that ‘Computational Thinking’ and computing knowledge are skills children must be taught if they are to participate effectively in this digital world.

Why is computational thinking so important? It gives us the skills necessary to engage and interact with the world. It enables us to be logical and strategical thinkers. It helps us to highlight problems that need solutions, creating various ways to tackle and solve the problem and then evaluate how our solutions can be made better.  Computational thinking helps us to understand the power and limits of human and machine intelligence. It is a skill that empowers, and one that all pupils should be aware of and develop competence in. Pupils who can think computationally are better able to conceptualise, understand and use computer-based technology, and so are better prepared for today’s world and the world of the future. We want this for the children of our school.

Implementation

Our whole curriculum is shaped by our school vision which aims to enable all children, regardless of background, ability or additional needs, to flourish to become the very best version of themselves they can possibly be. We teach the National Curriculum, supported by a clear skills and knowledge progression. This ensures that skills and knowledge are built on year by year and sequenced appropriately to maximise learning for all children.

The National Curriculum for Computing has been developed to equip young people with the foundational skills, knowledge and understanding of computing they will need for the rest of their lives.

The Computing Curriculum has been divided into 3 strands:

Computer Science: This is the core of computing, 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. Within computer science we teach children to understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science

While continually developing the five Computational thinking approaches to working.

Information Technology: pupils are equipped to use information technology to create programs, systems and a range of content

Digital Literacy: Computing also ensures that pupils become digitally literate – able to use, and express themselves and develop their ideas through, information and communication technology.

At Bounds Green we want the children in our school to move from being just users of computers and software to becoming confident and creative explorers, inventors and problem solvers of computers, systems and software.

We strive give children access to a wide range of good quality resources and provide cross curricular opportunities for children to apply their Computing knowledge and skills. Our main scheme of work used to guide our progression of skills, understanding and key subject specific vocabulary for each year group is ‘Switched on Computing’. However staff are encouraged to use other on and off-line resources published by Barefoot Computing.

We also ensure our children fully understand the importance of online safety and responsible use of online resources, by explicitly teaching each year group the eight core areas of online safety, at their appropriate level as highlighted by Education for a Connected World published by UKCCIS. A framework to equip children and young people for digital life. Each of these 8 areas have been timetabled over the academic year to ensure full coverage of the objectives. Cross curricular links have also been planned with PSHE to further embed these essential concepts.

Impact

In order to demonstrate that we have accomplished our aims, pupils at Bounds Green School will:

• Be enthusiastic and confident in their approach towards Computing.
• Always be responsible and aware Digital Citizens.
• Be competent and adaptable ‘Computational Thinkers’ who are able to use the 6 identified concepts and 5 key approaches in all of their learning.
• Be successful problem solvers, with perseverance to ‘debug’ them when solutions don’t quite work as planned.
• Create and evaluate their own project work.
• Have a secure understanding of the positive applications and specific risks associated with a broad range of digital technology.
• Transition to secondary school with a keen interest in the continued learning of this subject.

Year 1 Knowledge and Progression in Computing

Year 2 Knowledge and Progression in Computing

Year 3 Knowledge and Progression in Computing

Year 4 Knowledge and Progression in Computing

Year 5 Knowledge and Progression in Computing

Year 6 Knowledge and Progression in Computing