Vision
At Wolsingham Primary School, we believe that Computing is an essential part of the curriculum; a subject that not only stands alone but should also be used throughout the curriculum and should be an integral part of all learning. A high quality computing curriculum equips pupils to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world. Computing has deep links with maths, science and design technology and provides insights into natural and artificial systems. 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 range of content. Computing also ensures that pupils become digitally literate: able to use and express their ideas through information and communication technology, at a suitable level for the future workplace as active participants in a digital world.
At Wolsingham Primary School, we also take children’s online safety very seriously. Online safety lessons will be taught throughout the lessons in conjunction with independently taught lessons and as the need arises. If appropriate, teachers should consider ways in which the Computing Online Safety curriculum can also cover key safeguarding issues such as ‘upskirting’.
Aims
At Wolsingham Primary our Computing curriculum aims to ensure that all pupils:
- can understand and apply the principles and concepts of computer science including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation
- can analyse problems in computational terms, having repeated practical experience of writing computer programmes
- can evaluate and apply information technology analytically
- are responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology.
Computing in the Early Years
A technological child in the early years will be exposed to a range of technological toys such as those with knobs and pulleys, developing a skill in making toys work by pressing parts or lifting flaps to achieve effects such as sound, movements or new images. They will seek to acquire basic skills in turning on and operating basic ICT equipment. They will learn that information is retrieved from computers, and how to do this with support. They will interact with age appropriate computer software, and ICT hardware, operating a simple computer program, and other technological resources such as remote control cars, torches, cameras etc. They will recognise that a range of technology is used in places such as homes and schools, selecting technology for a purpose. A lot of learning in the early years takes place through purposeful play, both indoors and outdoors. Towards the end of Reception children will be learning skills to equip them for their future learning and later success in Year 1.
Please see our Whole School Long Term Overview and Whole School Long Term Plan to see what our pupils will study during each year.
