Computing Curriculum at Manor Farm Community School
From September 2014, the National Curriculum for Computing changed.
The National Curriculum for computing aims to ensure that 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;
- 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.
In Key stage 2 pupils should be taught 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.
At Manor Farm Community Junior School we believe that an engaging and motivating Computing curriculum will enable our learners to:
- Use computational thinking and creativity.
- Build knowledge of principles of information and computation, how digital systems work, and how to put this knowledge to use through programming.
- Become digitally literate – able to use, express themselves and develop ideas through information and communication technology.
- Make links to other areas of the Curriculum e.g. Mathematics, Science and Art and Design and Technology.
Each year group covers five key areas of study during the year: Programming, e-Safety; Multimedia; Handling Data and Technology in our Lives.
- The Computer Science aspects of Computing are taught discretely through the Programming and Technology in our Lives threads.
- Key skills in Information Technology are developed through Multimedia and Handling Data threads and are integrated into learning in other curriculum areas. Multimedia also builds the skills and understanding of Digital Literacy.
- E-Safety is taught in discrete lessons as well as being threaded into all areas of the Computing Curriculum as appropriate.
- Opportunities for technology as a tool to support learning and teaching in all areas are identified in curriculum planning.