Computing Curriculum

• 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

The learning journeys in computing cover:

• E-safety knowledge
• Text and multimedia authoring
• Coding
• Digital imagery creation and manipulation
• Data handling
• Computer science
• Research skills and investigations into the history of computing and
• The use and manipulation of sound

Studying computing as a topic in its own right allows pupils to learn to use a wide variety of software and hardware to investigate algorithms and create programs of increasing complexity to make on-screen and digital devices work. Pupils learn how important it is to be precise in their use of programming language and how to create and debug programs and output devices. Pupils use both online and local software and freeware to creatively develop a range of presentations, graphs, digital artwork and podcasts. Pupils collect and use data in different forms to search, select and rank information and recognise how to present their work in different forms for a variety of audiences and purposes. We teach pupils how to carefully use search technologies and the value and risks involved in reliance on online information. E-safety is taught each half term ensuring pupils learn to use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly; are able to recognise acceptable and unacceptable behaviour; identify a range of ways to report concerns about content and contact and know how to keep personal information private. They use electronic records of evidence to help them organise and record progress of their own work providing them with lifelong skills that are directly transferrable into other subjects and areas of learning.

Lady Margaret Primary School serves a diverse community of children with a wide and differing range personal experiences of technology and we believe it is important to ensure they are equipped with the skills to not only be consumers but developers of content in the future regardless of their experiences, skills or access to equipment outside school.

• Be safe, respectful and knowledgeable users of technology and the World Wide Web.
• Be confident and competent users of a wide variety of software and hardware.
• Recognise and appropriately use the vocabulary associated with technology including basic coding language.
• Understand how technology has developed over time and continues to change according to demand and how they can use it to their advantage across all aspects of life and learning.

Children will be learning what algorithms are, which will not always involve computers. When explained as “a set of instructions” teachers may illustrate the idea using recipes, or by breaking down the steps of children’s morning routines. But they will also be creating and debugging simple programs of their own, developing logical reasoning skills and taking their first steps in using devices to “create, organise, store, manipulate and retrieve digital content”.

Children will know that an algorithm is a set of instructions, they will be able to create simple algorithms to make a rocket move. Code is a stored set of instructions encoded in a language understood by the computer, eg pen down. Children will then work with a partner to correct their code (debug).

Children will be creating and debugging more complicated programs with specific goals and getting to grips with concepts including variables and “sequence, selection, and repetition in programs”. They will still be developing their logical reasoning skills and learning to use websites.

Children will be able to create a simple game, they will be able to detect and correct errors in their program. In this example children will be able to create a set of blocks to park a car and will create a parking game.

Children at every stage will be taught the importance of using technology safely and keeping personal information private, which is being introduced as a topic from the beginning of primary and will continue to be emphasised at each key stage.

Please click on the information below for important information on keeping your children safe online – click here.