The Primary National Curriculum for Computing is split into three strands: information technology, digital literacy and computer science.
- Information technology is about the use of computers for functional purposes, such as collecting and presenting information, or using search technology.
- Digital literacy is about the safe and responsible use of technology, including recognising its advantages for collaboration or communication.
- Computer science helps children of all ages to understand how computers and networks work. It gives all children the opportunity to learn basic computer programming, from simple floor robots in Years 1 and 2, right up to creating on-screen computer games and programmes by Year 6, using programming software such as Scratch.
Lessons also include regular teaching of e-safety to ensure that children feel confident when using computers and the Internet, and know what to do if they come across something either inappropriate or uncomfortable.
At St Patrick’s we use Purple Mash as the basis of our weekly Computing lessons. Each half term has a different focus, shared by all the year groups but with progressively more complex outcomes and contexts.
Please click here for an overview of the units.
Computing Curriculum Overview
Please click the link below to see the National Curriculum for Computing.
Please click the link below to see what our children in Nursery and Reception will be doing in technology
Computing Curriculum Statement
Intent
In line with the 2014 National Curriculum for Computing, our aim is to provide a high-quality computing education which equips children with the life-skills that will enable them to embrace and utilise new technology in a responsible and safe way. We want children to become independent users of computing technologies, gaining confidence and enjoyment from their activities. Not only do we want them to be digitally literate and competent end-users of technology but through our computer science lessons we want them to develop creativity, resilience and problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Implementation
At St Patrick’s, computing is taught using a blocked curriculum approach. This ensures that children are able to develop depth in their knowledge and skills over the duration of each of their computing topics. The school has a computing suite and children also have access to class sets of iPads, ensuring that children can use computers for a range of purposes and that it is used across the wider curriculum, as well as in discreet computing lessons.
Impact
Children are equipped to use information technology to create programs, systems and a range of content. Our computing curriculum also ensures that children 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.