Intent

At Northside Primary School, Computing is all about promoting engaging learning to enable the children to possess the skills needed to be able to be IT literate members of society. In order to achieve this, a range of computing activities are taught with a breadth and depth of learning that builds on previously taught knowledge. Computing is a significant part of everyone’s daily life and children will be at the forefront of new technology, with a thirst for learning what is out there. As much as possible computing should be incorporated into all aspects of learning Computing within schools must provide a wealth of learning opportunities and transferrable skills explicitly within the Computing lesson and across other curriculum subjects. Interwoven within these skills must be the ability to use a wide range of fundamental skills, knowledge and understanding that will actually equip them for the rest of their life. Computers and technology are such a part of everyday life that our children would be at a disadvantage would they not be exposed to a thorough and robust Computing curriculum. The main aspects of computing to be studied are determined by the programs of study of the Primary National Curriculum 2014 in key stages 1 and 2.

Implementation

We teach the National Curriculum , supported by 'Switched On Computing' from Year 1 to Year 6 ('with 'Barefoot Computing' resources being used to facilitate the learning towards the relevant Early Learning Goals in our EYFS). The scheme aims to develop pupils’ computational thinking and creativity. One of the great strengths of 'Switched On Computing' is the flexibility it allows us for implementation. 

The Northside Values of Respect, Pride, Inclusion, Challenge, Creativity and Resilience are reinforced through Computing. They help to keep children safe and prepare them to use technology in their school and home lives. Northside pupils have weekly lessons based on a half termly program of study covering a strand of computing. In Key Stage 1 the children will learn to understand what algorithms are; how they are implemented as programs on digital devices; and that programs execute by following precise and unambiguous instructions. They will be taught to create and debug simple programs and use logical reasoning to predict the behaviour of simple programs. They will be shown how to use a range of technology purposefully to create, organise, store, manipulate and retrieve digital content as well as recognise common uses of information technology beyond school. They will be taught to 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. In Key Stage 2 the children will design, write and debug programs that accomplish specific goals, including controlling or simulating physical systems; solve problems by decomposing them into smaller parts. They will use sequence, selection, and repetition in programs, use logical reasoning to explain how some simple algorithms work and correct errors in algorithms and programs. Children will be taught to understand computer networks, including the internet, and the opportunities they offer for communication and collaboration. They will use search technologies effectively, learn to appreciate how results are selected and ranked, and be discerning in evaluating digital content. Children will be taught to select, use and combine a variety of software (including internet services) on a range of digital devices to create a range of programs, systems and content that accomplish given goals. They will use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly; recognise acceptable/unacceptable behaviour; identify a range of ways to report concerns about content and contact. Even our children in Early Years provision will be exposed to the understanding of internet safety as they explore the world around them and how technology is an everyday part of their learning and understanding of the world.

Impact

Our Computing curriculum is high quality, well thought out and is planned to demonstrate progression. As the children work through the units of work they will be equipped, not only with the skills and knowledge to use technology effectively and for their own benefit, but more importantly – safely. The biggest impact we want on our children is that they understand the consequences of using the internet and that they are also aware of how to keep themselves safe online. As children become more confident in their abilities in Computing, they will become more independent and key life skills such as problem-solving, logical thinking and self evaluation become second nature. The Northside computing curriculum raises the profile of computing across the school to develop children’s skills needed in today’s digital world.

Children will leave Northside as respectful, inclusive, creative members of the local and online community who are proud of their achievements and resilient to challenge.