Computing Curriculum Statement

Intent

Through our computing curriculum at Alpha Preparatory School, we aim to give our pupils the life-skills that will enable them to embrace and utilise new technology, in a socially responsible and safe way in order to flourish. We want our pupils to be able to operate in the 21st century workplace and to know the career opportunities that will be open to them if they study computing.  Children will learn to become autonomous, independent users of computing technologies, gaining confidence and enjoyment from their activities. We want the use of technology to support learning across the entire curriculum and to ensure that our curriculum is accessible to every child.  Not only do we want them to be digitally literate and competent end-users of technology, but through our computing lessons we want them to develop creativity, resilience and problem-solving and critical thinking skills.  We encourage our pupils to have a breadth of experience to develop their understanding of themselves as individuals within their community but also as members of a wider global community and as responsible digital citizens. Children are able to access a range of computer software and hardware, including Apple and Microsoft systems and specialised computer hardware models, such as programmable robots in STEM and DT lessons.

Implementation

In Key Stage 1, the children will learn to understand what algorithms are; how they are implemented as programs on digital devices; and that programs execute by following precise and unambiguous instructions. They will be taught to create and debug simple programs and use logical reasoning to predict the behaviour of simple programs. They will be shown how to use a range of technology purposefully to create, organise, store, manipulate and retrieve digital content as well as recognise common uses of information technology beyond school. They will be taught to use technology safely and respectfully, keeping personal information private; identify where to go for help and support when they have concerns about content or contact on the internet or other online technologies. Each of these skills will be taught through exciting half termly units.

In Key Stage 2, the children will design, write and debug programs that accomplish specific goals, including controlling or simulating physical systems; solve problems by decomposing them into smaller parts.  They will use sequence, selection, and repetition in programs, use logical reasoning to explain how some simple algorithms work and correct errors in algorithms and programs. Children will be taught to understand computer networks, including the internet, and the opportunities they offer for communication and collaboration. They will use search technologies effectively, learn to appreciate how results are selected and ranked, and be discerning in evaluating digital content. Children will be taught to select, use and combine a variety of software (including internet services) on a range of digital devices to create a range of programs, systems and content that accomplish given goals. They will use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly; recognise acceptable/unacceptable behaviour; identify a range of ways to report concerns about content and contact. Even our children in Early Years, provision will be exposed to the understanding of internet safety as they explore the world around them and how technology is an everyday part of their learning and understanding of the world.

Children in Years 4, 5 and 6 will be introduced to the concept of Artificial Intelligence (AI), its emergence, current utility and possible future developments.  Children will learn about responsible use of open source AI platforms and investigate AI bias. They will also work with Computer Aided Design (CAD) and have the opportunity to use a 3D printer in Year 6.

Impact

After the implementation of this robust computing curriculum, children will be digitally literate and able to join the rest of the world on its digital platform.  They will be equipped, not only with the skills and knowledge to use technology effectively and for their own benefit, but more importantly – safely.  The biggest impact we want on our children is that they understand the consequences of using the internet and that they are also aware of how to keep themselves safe online.

As children become more confident in their abilities in computing, they will become more independent and key life skills such as problem-solving, logical thinking and self-evaluation become second nature. The school’s computing provision is recognised by the achievement of a national computing Top Coder Challenge award from Discovery Education’s which was won by a pupil in KS1.