Computer Science

Curriculum Intent

At Grundisburgh Primary we believe it is essential to provide opportunities in all National Curriculum subject areas for children to develop their ICT capability and use it to support their learning. Computing (principally but not exclusively computers) is used in many ways for the presentation, analysis and storage of information, but also to model, measure and control external events, to solve problems and to support learning in a variety of contexts, not least through the use of the internet, across the whole curriculum.

Our Computing curriculum; develops computational and logical thinking

creativity with rigour, it teaches how digital systems and technologies work, how they are designed and programmed, it demonstrates fundamental principles of information and computing for children to become digitally literate.

We intend to make computing an integral part of learning with children developing transferrable skills within Computing and across the wider curriculum.

Computational thinking - academic discipline and skills

Digital literacy - ability to use technology purposefully

Digital wisdom - use technology safely and respectfully

Digital technologies - understand computers, networks and the internet

Curriculum Implementation

Computers, devices and technology is an integral part of life  thus children should be exposed to thorough and fully cross-curricular teaching and learning.

The Computing curriculum has been chosen to ensure that the subject sits across the year group curriculum and is part of topic learning where possible, using Keychain Computing at the heart of planning.

Explore, communicate and apply are a focus for teaching Computing to ensure that the learning is rich and progressive.  Beginning each area of learning with exploration ensures that the children have opportunities to navigate programs, apps and devices gaining confidence and learning new skills through play.   New skills are then communicated by the teaching staff and further opportunities allowed for the children to communicate with each other and through programs.  The skills are then applied to complete a challenge or task.  These three expectations lay across the four Computing areas of learning; code, connect, communicate and collect.

The children have access to resources which aid their learning that includes the hardware (laptops, iPads, and programmable devices and equipment) and software that they need to develop knowledge and skills. 

Online Safety is integral within teaching and learning across all year groups and is taught within Computing and as part of PSHCE, to build extensive digital wisdom.

Curriculum Impact

We will know that teaching and learning is successful if;

• Children have the skills to support themselves academically and the knowledge to be able to extend themselves in a digital world both at school and at home

• Children understand and apply fundamental principles of Computing •Children can analyse in computational terms

• Children can evaluate and apply IT

• Children are responsible, competent, confident and creative users

• Children will be able to make informed choices and decisions regarding technology and be able to make these confidently and safely

• Children will have computer skills that they can use in everyday life and life skills that will span other areas of learning

Curriculum Progression Map Computing - being updated in Autumn 2024