Computing at Farnborough Grange

Intent

In a forever developing world, we recognise the impact that technology is having on the world around us. At Farnborough Grange we want children to develop the skills to become confident users of technology, both in school and ‘beyond the gate’. With this in mind, and alongside our enquiry based curriculum, we encourage children to be inquisitive, recognising the impact that humans have on developing technology. We want our children to know that they can be the next computer programmers, app developers and graphic designers, and if that is not the path they choose, then have a good understanding of how technology can support their learning and career choices in whatever path they follow.

As users of technology, we want our children to understand the positive impact that it can have on their lives and the world around us, but to also recognise that there are risks involved. It is important that children know how to stay safe when using technology and the internet, and to know where to seek help if they feel uncomfortable or something has gone wrong.

Implementation

To ensure a robust curriculum, we use the NCCE planning, whilst making adaptations to suit the needs of our children, ensuring that all children are given the opportunity to make good progress. The curriculum delivered follows that laid out in the National Curriculum, with the following aims;

To ensure that all pupils:

• can understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation
• can analyse problems in computational terms, and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems
• can evaluate and apply information technology, including new or unfamiliar technologies, analytically to solve problems
• are responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology.

Within Key Stage One, these aims are achieved by developing an understanding of algorithms, creating and debugging programs and using technology for a range of purposes. To achieve these aims we recognise the need to teach Computing both discreetly, and also with cross-curricular links in other subject areas.

Although Computing is not specifically stated in the Early Years Framework, we recognise the importance of using technologies to enhance learning in areas such as Understanding of the World and Expressive Arts and Design. Therefore, our skills progression includes key skills that can be developed right from the start of the children’s education.

Project Evolve is used in conjunction with the NCCE, to deliver a thorough internet safety curriculum. Each unit of learning starts with a whole class assessment of skills, which then aids teachers in planning lessons which specifically address the needs of their class. Links to the SCARF curriculum, which is followed in PSHE, are made, to ensure that children understand that staying safe when using technology is linked to their greater health and wellbeing.