Computing

Computing at Newburn Manor

At Newburn Manor we believe that computing is so fundamental to understanding and participating in society that it is valuable for every student to learn as part of a modern education. We see computer science as a creative subject that provides pupils with a method with which they are able to interpret the world around them. Computer science prepares all students to be active and informed contributors to our increasingly technological society whether they pursue careers in technology or not. Computer science can be life-changing, not just skill training. (code.org)

We have a computer available in every classroom and a computer suite of 30 computers, a computer in the library and three iPad boxes containing 16 iPads each. Computers around the school are networked and have internet access with some exceptions. We keep resources for I.C.T. and computing, including software, in a central store. Interactive whiteboards are in all classrooms. The computing suite is available for use throughout the school day as part of computing lessons as well as for cross-curricular use, each class is timetabled for 2 hours a week. The School follows the general outline of the Rising Stars scheme of work.

Key Stage 1

In Early Years and Key Stage 1, the teaching of Computing encourages pupils to experiment with the computer and try different approaches to problems set for them.  They are encouraged to be curious and ask questions about what they are doing and comment upon the changes that happen in the virtual space as they change interact with the computer. Pupils will begin to understand using a variety of ways to communicate their ideas.

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

In Key Stage 2 pupils will widen their view of how computing interacts in their world.  They will do this through exploring, talking about, testing and developing ideas and modelling them on a virtual platform. 

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

Computing is a practical subject, in which invention and resourcefulness are encouraged. The ideas of computing are applied to understanding real-world systems and creating

purposeful products. This combination of principles, practice and invention makes computing an extraordinarily useful and intensely creative subject, suffused with excitement, both visceral (‘it works!’) and intellectual (‘that is so

beautiful’).1

1

Adapted from A Curriculum Framework for Computer Science and Information Technology:

www.computingatschool.org.uk/data/uploads/Curriculum%20Framework%20for%20CS%20and%20IT.pdf