Computing
The subject leader for ICT is Mrs Divers and Mr Rowlands
St George’s has worked hard to develop the children’s IT skills, as well as using them to support all other areas of the curriculum. They also use the Internet for research.
Intent
At St George's Computing is presented as one lens through which pupils can understand the world.
There is a focus on computational thinking and creativity, as well as opportunities for creative work in programming and digital media.
The introduction makes clear the three aspects of the computing curriculum:
- computer science (CS)
- information technology (IT)
- digital literacy (DL)
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– able to use, and express themselves and develop their ideas through, information and communication technology – at a level suitable for the future workplace and as active participants in a digital world.
Implementation
At St George’s CE Primary School, computing will be taught both as a discrete subject and in a cross-curricular way when the opportunity presents itself.
The laptop trolleys will be used to help pupils access the Computing curriculum, along with a range of other resources such as programmable toys.
The Computing subject leader and the Headteacher will continually monitor the resources required to deliver the Computing element of the National Curriculum
Teaching for every child
Key Stage 1
Children learn how to use ICT to find out information, and then use it in their learning. They become familiar with some hardware and software - for example, learning how to use a word processor and 'paint' software. They store information on computers, present it in different ways, and talk about how ICT can be used both in and out of school.
Targets for every child
Around age 7, most children are able to:
- use ICT to handle information in different ways, including gathering it, organising it, storing it, and presenting it to others
- start to feel comfortable using computer software in their everyday work (for example, they might write and change their class work using a word processor or other computer packages and make use of graphics and sound)
- use programmable toys, putting together computerised instructions in the right order
- explore what happens using ICT.
Teaching for every child
Key Stage 2
Children use a range of ICT tools and information sources, such as computer software and the Internet, to support their work in other subjects. They develop their research and communication skills. They learn that information needs to be accurate and relevant - and that information on the Internet may sometimes be neither. Because of this, they are taught how to check the quality of information, learning how to filter good information from bad, and how to present information in a way that suits the needs of their audience. Children also explore and compare the different ways ICT is used in and out of school.
Targets for every child
Around age 11, most children are able to:
- use ICT to present information and share ideas in different ways
- check the reliability of information
- think carefully about their audience when presenting and communicating information
- write and test simple computer programs to control and monitor events (for example, children might create programs that simulate controlling traffic light systems, etc )
- use simulation software and spreadsheets to test theories and explore patterns in data.