Frizinghall Primary School

Computing

Children are on the front lines of a digital revolution. Devices, social networks, and media are changing childhood in radical ways. We all want of our pupils to grow up healthy and happy as the world accelerates around them.

Computing is the study of computers that include information technology (how IT is used), digital literacy (how IT is used safely and effectively) and computer science (how computers work). Computing is the process of using computer technology to complete a given goal-oriented task.

Computer Science

Computer science covers knowledge of computers and computation, including concepts such as data, system architecture, algorithms and programming. Computer science is seen as the core of computing and underpins the whole of the subject. It includes:

programming constructs such as sequence, selection and repetition
programming language syntax and semantics
how to solve problems using programming, including:
logic and logical thinking
algorithms and algorithmic thinking
patterns and pattern recognition
abstraction and generalisation
evaluation
automation

Information technology

Information technology provides a context for the use of computers in society.

Digital artefacts

Digital artefacts are digital objects created by humans. They can be created in a range of media, including text, image, video and sound. It is important that pupils learn the knowledge (declarative and procedural) they need to be confident in using applications in creative projects, including applications that analyse data or manipulate digital artefacts.

Computing contexts

Knowledge of how computing is used purposefully is ‘empowering knowledge’. It sets out the transformative rationale for the subject and the profound impact it has had on humanity.

Digital literacy

The National Centre for Computing Education defines digital literacy as the ‘skills and knowledge required to be an effective, safe and discerning user of a range of computer systems’. Knowledge and skills are clearly identified to teach pupils how to use computing devices.

Computing Curriculum

As a school, we have chosen the Purple Mash Computing Scheme of Work from Reception to Year 6 as a basis for the majority of our discrete computing lessons. The scheme of work supports our teachers in delivering fun and engaging lessons which help to raise standards and allow all pupils to achieve to their full potential. We are confident that the scheme of work more than adequately meets the national vision for Computing. It provides flexibility, strong cross-curricular links and integrates with our assessment system. Purple Mash is also used to set homework tasks and half-term projects as well as competitions, e.g. the Summer Reading Challenge.

We have chosen to use the National Online Safety Lesson Plans for our Online Safety Lessons; these ensure that we cover the Computing National Curriculum and the Education for a Connected World Framework.