Computing
Why is Computing important?
Our Computing provision at New Cangle aims to equip our children to participate in a rapidly changing world which is increasingly being transformed by technology. It is our intention to enable children to find, explore, analyse, exchange and present information in a safe, responsible and respectful manner. Not only do we want pupils to be digitally literate, competent end-users of technology but, through our Computing lessons, we aim to develop computational thinking skills.
Computing skills are a major factor in enabling children to be confident, creative and independent learners, and it is our intention at New Cangle that children have every opportunity to allow them to achieve this.
Aims of the Computing Curriculum
The national curriculum for Computing aims to ensure that all pupils:
· Understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation
· Analyse problems in computational terms, and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems
· Evaluate and apply information technology, including new or unfamiliar technologies, analytically to solve problems
· Become responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology.
Computing at New Cangle
At New Cangle, we use Twinkl Digital Sparks scheme of work. This a fully resourced computing scheme fully aligning with the National Curriculum for computing from years 1 to 6, ensuring that children develop the knowledge, skills and understanding required throughout the primary years. The units for key stage 1 and 2 are based on a spiral curriculum and have a Big Question or a Big Project focus. This means that the eight strands are revisited adopting a progressive approach that consolidates and builds on prior learning. The style of the curriculum design reduces the amount of knowledge lost, as topics are revisited regularly. Online safety is woven into every lesson through our Cyber Smart starters.
Digital Sparks is made up of eight strands:
- Digital Foundations
- Computer systems and networks
- Digital citizenship
- Programming
- Physical computing
- Creating media
- Data and information
- Artificial intelligence
Twinkl Digital Sparks Computing Curriculum uses the Education for a Connected World framework https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/education-for-a-connected-world to provide coverage for online safety and digital citizenship. At New Cangle, most objectives in the Education for a Connected World framework are covered in the Computing Curriculum, and some are reinforced throughout the year in PSHE and other curriculum lessons, where relevant.
More detail of our computing curriculum can be found in the following documents: Computing Intent, Implementation & Impact Statement and Digital Sparks Curriculum Map
Computing is led by Mrs Evans, who is always keen to embrace new technology and has completed her training to be an Apple teacher..