Computing

Subject Leader: Mrs E Warburton

WARBURTONE@saintgeorgescofe.kent.sch.uk

Computing at Saint George’s Primary Phase

At Saint George’s Primary Phase, we recognise that computers underpin today’s modern lifestyle. Our vision is to develop independent learners who are well equipped for their future. We aim for all children to gain the appropriate knowledge, skills and competencies, developing their confidence and capability to use digital technology thoughtfully throughout their lives.

The focus of our Computing curriculum is to learn about programming computers rather than on just using programs. Work within each year group ensures continuity and progression and is closely linked to other areas of the curriculum. All classes have timetabled sessions in the IT Suite to give pupils the opportunity to enhance, practise and apply their skills. They also use a range of Computing equipment and software including iPads, PCs and programmable robots, from EYFS and beyond, to enhance their skills and improve their confidence using IT in the world around them.

Children are taught how to use a computer as well as learning about algorithms (i.e. sets of instructions). To illustrate this we do not always involve computers, teachers may use the idea of following recipes or the process of getting ready for PE. We have a wide range of Apps and software to further develop the children’s skills as they progress through the school. Children also look at ways in which computer programs can be used to create, organise, store, retrieve and edit digital content. They are given the opportunity to create and debug simple programs of their own, developing logical reasoning skills and taking their first steps in using devices such as Beebots.

We are very lucky to have a class set of iPads to further enrich our Computing curriculum, which are very popular with the children in all year groups. They enhance the learning in all areas and we have a wide range of cross-curricular Apps and activities.

Upon starting school, children are taught the importance of Internet Safety which is an integral part of the Computing curriculum and both pupils, teacher and parents sign a computer safety agreement.

Key Stage 1

Key Stage One

  • 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

Key Stage Two

  • 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 and recognise acceptable/unacceptable behaviour, identify a range of ways to report concerns about content and contact.