Subject Lead: Mr Douglass
INTENT
At St. Stephen's we aim to provide our children with a high-quality computing education that equips our pupils to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world.
Our computing scheme has deep links with mathematics, science, and design and technology, and provides insights into both natural and artificial systems. The core of computing is computer science, in which our pupils are taught the principles of information and computation, how digital systems work, and how to put this knowledge to use through programming.
Building on this knowledge and understanding, our pupils are equipped to use information technology to create programs, systems and a range of content.
We intend for our pupils to be digitally literate – able to use, and express themselves and develop their ideas through, information and communication technology – at a level suitable for the future workplace and as active participants in a digital world.
In our study of computing at St Stephen’s , we intend that our children will be able to:
- 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
- be responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology.
IMPLEMENTATION
IMPACT
• Children will be confident users of technology, able to use it to accomplish a wide variety of goals, both at home and in school. Much of the subject-specific knowledge developed in our computing lessons equip pupils with experiences which will benefit them in secondary school, further education and future workplaces. From research methods, use of presentation and creative tools and critical thinking, computing at St Stephen's gives children the building blocks that enable them to pursue a wide range of interests and vocations in the next stage of their lives.
• Children will have a secure and comprehensive knowledge of the implications of technology and digital systems. This is important in a society where technologies and trends are rapidly evolving. We will constantly ask the WHY behind their learning and not just the HOW. We want learners to discuss, reflect and appreciate the impact computing has on their learning, development and wellbeing. Finding the right balance with technology is key to an effective education and a healthy lifestyle. We feel the way we implement computing helps children realise the need for the right balance and one they can continue to build on in their next stage of education and beyond. We encourage regular discussions between staff and pupils to best embed and understand this.
• Children will be able to apply the British values of democracy, tolerance, mutual respect, rule of law and liberty when using digital systems
