Computing
Computing Overview
At St Augustine’s our aim within the teaching of Computing is to engage the children through a skills based and knowledge-rich curriculum. Following the National Curriculum guidance, children are able to develop and consolidate their skills and knowledge by building on previous learning and revisiting certain areas of study throughout the year and across phases, which enables progressive and continuous learning opportunities.
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.
Within Computing, we aim for pupils to gain a coherent knowledge and understanding of three key areas:
- Internet Safety
- Computer Science
- Information Technology
By inspiring the children through our chosen units of work, children are able to engage and show curiosity about the Computing.
Mrs Ord
Computing Co-ordinator
Early Years
Although there is no set computing curriculum, we still like the children to be engaged and enthused from a young age. In Early Years we have a hands-on approach that links to 'The characteristics of Effective Learning' where the children are exploring, sequencing and problem solving. The children become familiar with technology especially beebots, vexbots and Ipads - They know how to handle them safely and know what to do if a problem arises and they require support.
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 where to go for help and support when they have concerns about content or contact on the internet or other online technologies.
Key Stage 2
Pupils will 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.
Subject Coverage
Whole School Events
As a school we take part in various events to allow for children to share in a common theme of learning. Each year we take part in an Online Safety week throughout which we look at a range of skills and knowledge required to keep us safe while online. This week also provides opportunities for our parents and carers to learn more about Online Safety. We held a ‘Green Screen Oscars’ to celebrate our Digital Literacy work using Green Screen Software.
Useful Links
Here are some useful websites and apps your child might enjoying using to support them in their online safety and ICT knowledge:
https://nationalonlinesafety.com
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/child-safety-online-a-practical-guide-for-parents-and-carers/child-safety-online-a-practical-guide-for-parents-and-carers-whose-children-are-using-social-media
https://beinternetlegends.withgoogle.com
https://code.org
https://studio.code.org/courses