St. Wulstan's Roman Catholic Primary School

Computing

"The science of today is the technology of tomorrow." Edward Teller

What makes a good Computing student?

 A creative approach to technology and a willingness to approach problems critically with the application of computational thinking skills.  An independent learner willing to tinker with devices to find out more. A confidence using the latest technology and an ability to find, organise, store, interpret, exchange and present information. A collaborative approach to learning with the knowledge of how to use technology to communicate effectively online. Knowledge of how to practice online safety.

About Our Vision for Computing

At St. Wulstan’s Primary School, our vision for Computing is one of a high-quality computing curriculum. We recognise that as a school we have a responsibility to prepare our pupils to be citizens of the future.  As computing is an increasing part of life today, it is essential that by the time children leave us in Year 6 they have the confidence and the ability that they need in this subject, in order to prepare them for the challenge of a rapidly developing and changing technological world.  

At the core of computing is Computer Science and by the time the children leave us they will be able to understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of it.  This includes knowing how digital systems work and putting this knowledge to use through programming.  Pupils will also be equipped to use information technology to create programs, systems and a range of content.  We also aim to ensure that pupils become digitally literate in that they are able to use information technology to express themselves and develop their ideas, at a level suitable for the future workplace.

The use of ICT will also enhance and extend children’s learning across the whole curriculum whilst developing motivation and social skills. We want to equip pupils with the ability to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world.  Pupils who can think computationally are more able to conceptualise, understand and use computer-based technology, and are better prepared to be active participants in a digital world.

Curriculum

At St. Wulstan’s, we aim to produce learners who are confident and effective users of technology. We believe that computing is a powerful tool which can be used to enhance teaching and learning across the curriculum. Our belief is that access to a quality computing curriculum enables pupils to build the essential skills they need to be successful in an ever-changing digital world.

The core of the computing curriculum is computer science, in which pupils are taught how technology works and how they can use this knowledge to create their own programs. Computing also ensures that pupils become digitally literate and are able to use, and present their ideas through, information and communication technology.

Key Stage 1

Pupils are taught to:

• understand what algorithms are, how they are implemented as programs on digital devices, and that programs execute by following precise and unambiguous instructions
• create and debug simple programs
• use logical reasoning to predict the behaviour of simple programs
• use technology purposefully to create, organise, store, manipulate and retrieve digital content
• recognise common uses of information technology beyond school
• 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

Key Stage 2

Pupils are 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

If you have any questions about the Computing curriculum within school, please come into school and ask to speak to Mr. Tate, our Computing Lead.

Computing Policy

Computing Non-Negotiables

St. Wulstan's Computing Intent, Implementation and Impact

Progression in Computing

Useful websites:

https://www.tynker.com/

https://www.gethopscotch.com/

https://scratch.mit.edu/

www.kodugamelab.com/

www.bbc.co.uk/schools/0/computing/

http://barclayscodeplayground.co.uk/

https://www.purplemash.com/sch/stwulstan