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Computing Lead: Mr B. Owens
Alan Turing gave us a mathematical model of digital computing that has completely withstood the test of time.
He gave us a very, very clear description that was truly prophetic
George Dyson
A high-quality computing education equips pupils to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world. At Our Lady Immaculate we believe that 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 therefore 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 at Our Lady Immaculate are equipped to use information technology to create programs, systems and a range of content. Computing also ensures that our 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.
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 Our Lady Immaculate we are dedicated to helping each child acquire these skills. The following strands are taught in all the year groups:
Computer Science
This involves children being taught computer science, which includes the art of programming and coding from Years 1-6 as well as in the Foundation Stage. Computing is taught both explicitly and discretely where it underpins lessons in other areas of the curriculum.
EYFS
Computer Science is taught in its most simplest form by playing operational games like ‘Simon says’, ‘Everybody do this’, ‘Follow the leader’ etc. This ensures that children understand the need to follow instructions and listen to commands. They then progress to looking at physical objects like Beebots in cross curricular learning. In addition, children will also be encouraged to use iPad apps e.g. Beebot, Daisy the Dinosaur, where the children can progressively apply computing skills.
Key Stage 1
Children will be learning what algorithms are, which will not always involve computers. When explained as “a set of instructions” these ideas can be illustrated using recipes, or by breaking down the steps of children’s morning routines. But they will also be creating and debugging simple programs of their own, developing logical reasoning skills and taking their first steps in using devices to create, organise, store, manipulate and retrieve digital content using apps e.g. Scratch Jnr, Daisy the Dinosaur.
Key Stage 2
Computing is taught through discreet programming lessons using the software Scratch where the children learn about data, algorithms, repetition, iteration and computer networks. Children will be creating and debugging more complicated programs with specific goals and understanding concepts like variables and sequence, selection and repetition in programs. They will be developing their logical reasoning skills and learning to use websites and other internet services. This will enable children to develop an understanding of the principles of Computer Science by promoting and developing their computational thinking.
Creative use of IT
This involves children’s purposeful use of digital technologies across the curriculum to create, organise, store, manipulate and retrieve digital content as well as recognise common uses of information technology beyond school.
Digital Literacy
This involves the teaching of eSafety where children are taught to use technology safely and respectfully, keep personal information private and evaluate the internet content for suitability and report any inappropriate webpages to staff and parents. Opportunities for learning about e-Safety occur throughout the curriculum, but are taught explicitly in both Computing and PSHE lessons and are reinforced whenever technology is used. The school supports the international Safer Internet Day each February and provides opportunities for pupils to consider cyber-bullying as part of Anti-Bullying week in the autumn term. The 2Johns are also regular visitors to the school.