At Blackhall Primary School our vision is to ensure all our children are encouraged to be successful in an ever changing world. Computing and technology are central to this. In modern society computing impacts upon every area of our daily lives. A high-quality computing education will enable pupils to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and make changes to the world. Computing has deep links with mathematics, science, and design and technology. Furthermore, computing skills can be used in every subject to research and present information.
Curriculum Rationale
Our computing curriculum is sequenced in a way that builds upon prior knowledge and acknowledges that children are exposed to modern computing every day in the home environment.
In computing, we teach a progressive curriculum using a range of technology, apps and software. We also encourage discussion and activities that enable the children to think about how they use technology safely and respectfully in everyday life outside of the school environment. Furthermore, we encourage technology to be used as a tool across the curriculum enabling children to develop skills, knowledge and confidence ensuring that computing is a subject which is really cross curricular.
In Year 1 and 2, the Computing curriculum encompasses the following categories:
- 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.
Throughout Years 3, 4,5 and 6, children will also learn 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.
Computing in the EYFS
Children begin to learn about computing right from the beginning of their education at Blackhall Primary. Children are encouraged to safely use a range of technology including computers, tablets, cameras and remote control vehicles to help them develop their speaking and listening; fine and gross motor skills and number. We recognise that even our youngest pupils start school with an understanding of some of the technology around them.
Computing in KS1 & KS2
Our Computing curriculum is designed:
- to enable our children to become respectful and successful adults in terms of being able to find employment in the future, to maintain healthy lifestyles and to be moral citizens
- to provide a relevant, progressive and well-structured Computing curriculum which enables children to develop and master a broad knowledge and wide range of skills
Our Computing curriculum is structured providing for each key stage and year group:
- A clear list of end points
- Progressive knowledge and skills which will shape children as engineers
- A clear list of vocabulary both appropriate to Computing and progressive through the key stages
- Provide a variety of enrichment opportunities including visitors into school and visits to different places
Documents relating to our Computing curriculum can be found below:
Documents outlining what will be covered in each year group can be found below:
Our progression of skills document can be found by clicking here.
