Computing
Computing at Red Oak Primary School
‘A high-quality computing education equips pupils to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world. Computing has deep links with mathematics, science, and design and technology, and provides insights into both 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 a range of content.
Computing also ensures that pupils become digitally literate – able to 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.’ DfE 2013
Curriculum
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.
At Red Oak Primary School the computing curriculum is delivered through ‘Switched on Computing’. It covers all the requirements of the Computing programme of study in a way that’s intended to develop pupils’ understanding of the concepts, practices and perspectives that underpin programming and other aspects of computer science, while providing ample opportunity for creative, collaborative project work in which pupils can acquire the information technology skills they’ll need. Switched on Computing also helps pupils to understand the implications of technology for individuals and society as they become digitally literate.
The approach adopted here is one grounded in the best primary practice. Ideas of learning through experiment, discussion and making are woven through the scheme.
When the ‘Switched on Computing’ was introduced to the school not all pupils had the necessary prerequisite knowledge and skills to begin the unit intended for their year group. It has been necessary for some class teachers, particularly in Key Stage 2, to use Units from the previous years’ curricula to ensure a firm base on which to build.
Assessment
At Red Oak Primary School we use the Climbing Frames assessment, along with the National Curriculum materials and teachers’ own individual records to assess each pupil’s achievement at the end of the year and to monitor progress. This tells us whether each child is below expected, at expected or above expected for their year group.
For more information regarding termly coverage, please see the document below: