Computing
Subject Intent
At Dunston, it is our intention to enable children to find, explore, analyse, exchange and present information. We focus on developing the skills necessary for children to be able to use information in a discriminating and effective way. We want children to know more, remember more and understand more in computing so that they leave primary school computer literate. Computing skills are a major factor in enabling children to be confident, creative and independent learners and it is our intention that children have every opportunity available to allow them to achieve this.
We intend to build a computing curriculum that develops pupil’s learning and results in the acquisition of knowledge of the world around them that ensures 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.
We intend to build a computing curriculum that prepares pupils to live safely in an increasingly digital British society where pupils can evaluate and apply information technology, including new or unfamiliar technologies, analytically to solve problems.
Subject Implementation
In the Early Years, teaching topics are formulated based on the children’s interests. These topics are designed to give opportunities for children to explore, observe and find out about technology.
In years 1 to 6, the National Curriculum forms the starting point for our planning and provision.
We use the Teach Computing curriculum as provided by National Centre for Computing Education.
With close observance of the demands of the National Curriculum, there are 4 key strands and areas of knowledge that have been identified, which run through the teaching and learning of computing in all year groups.
- Computer Systems and Networks
- Programming
- Data and Information
- Creating Media
In addition, we use the Project Evolve resources to teach Online Safety as provided by UK Safer Internet Centre to match the needs of Education for a Connected World framework. The strands within the framework are as follows:
- Self image and identity
- Online relationships
- Online reputation
- Online bullying
- Managing Online information
- Health, well-being and lifestyle
- Privacy and security
- Copyright and ownership
These skills form the basis of what it means to be a great student of computing and online safety at Dunston.
Subject Impact
Pupils will be confident users of technology, able to use it to accomplish a wide variety of goals, both at home and in school. They will have a secure and comprehensive knowledge of the implications of technology and digital systems. This is important in a society where technologies and trends are rapidly evolving.
Pupils will be able to apply the values of democracy, tolerance, mutual respect, rule of law and liberty when using digital systems.