Computing

What does Computing look like at Meldreth Primary?
Our computing curriculum equips pupils to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world. We include new and exciting opportunities to become anything from “Game Testers” to “Game Developers”. We have also planned opportunities to develop our computing skills in areas such as music, art, interface design, marketing and much more! Safety online is an important part of both our Computing and PSHE curriculum. 
Our approach ensures that pupils become digitally literate – able to use, express themselves appropriately and develop their ideas through information and communication technology – as active participants in a digital world.
 
Our Curriculum Aims
Our curriculum for computing is divided into 3 main strands and aims to ensure that all pupils are skilled in:
  • Information Technology: students can use and combine a variety of software on a range of digital devices to express themselves and present their ideas.
  • Digital Literacy: students can use technology responsibly and safely to find, evaluate and communicate information.
  • Computer Science: students can use logical thinking to design, create and analyse algorithms and code a range of programmes.
Curriculum Content
Technology is always changing therefore the content will be fluid so that these new technologies can be included in the school’s curriculum without delay.
 
Early Years
Many pupils start school being familiar with a wide range of technology, they are encouraged to select and use technology for a particular purpose.

Pupils are taught to use technology across the curriculum for picture making, word processing and manipulating or arranging symbols. Early awareness of the use of controls is encouraged through the use of programmable toys.  Our youngest pupils are also taught to become aware of the uses of ICT in everyday life and are made aware of the importance of staying safe online.

Key Stage 1
Pupils are taught to:
  • understand what algorithms are, how they are implemented as programs on digital devices, and that programs execute by following precise and unambiguous instructions
  • create and debug simple programs
  • use logical reasoning to predict the behaviour of simple programs
  • use technology purposefully to create, organise, store, manipulate and retrieve digital content
  • recognise common uses of information technology beyond school
  • 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
Key Stage 2
In particular, pupils are taught:
  • design, write and debug programs that accomplish specific goals, including controlling or simulating physical systems; solve problems by decomposing them into smaller parts
  • use sequence, selection, and repetition in programs; work with variables and various forms of input and output
  • use logical reasoning to explain how some simple algorithms work and to detect and correct errors in algorithms and programs
  • understand computer networks, including the internet; how they can provide multiple services, such as the World Wide Web, and the opportunities they offer for communication and collaboration
  • use search technologies effectively, appreciate how results are selected and ranked, and be discerning in evaluating digital content
  • select, use and combine a variety of software (including internet services) on a range of digital devices to design and create a range of programs, systems and content that accomplish given goals, including collecting, analysing, evaluating and presenting data and information
  • use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly; recognise acceptable/unacceptable behaviour; identify a range of ways to report concerns about content and contact

 

Download our whole school curriculum plan for Computing by clicking the link below