Becoming Participants in a Digital World
A high-quality computing education equips pupils to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world. At Mill Lane we believe computing is an essential part of the curriculum that not only stands alone but is an integral part of all learning. 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 safely 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.
Learning Across the School
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.
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. The children 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. In Key Stage One, children 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. Pupils will also be taught to understand computer networks, including the internet, and the opportunities they offer for communication and collaboration. Children will use search technologies effectively, learn to appreciate how results are selected and ranked, and be discerning in evaluating digital content. They 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. Children will learn to use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly; recognise acceptable/unacceptable behaviour; identify a range of ways to report concerns about content and contact.
The Impact of a High-Quality Computing Curriculum
After the implementation of the computing curriculum, children at Mill Lane will be digitally literate and able to join the rest of the world on its digital platform. 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.
Within computing lessons children work collaboratively and communicate effectively with each other. We encourage children to reflect on evaluate their ability to work together and to discuss how their communication had an effect on their learning. The cultural and social impact of computing and digital technology are made clear in the ability to share, add to and create content in a connected way with others.
