Computing
What is Computing?
Computing is concerned with how computers and computer systems work, and how they are designed and programmed. Pupils studying computing will gain an understanding of computational systems of all kinds, whether or not they include computers. Computing includes Computer Science, Information Technology and Digital Literacy.
Why do we teach Computing at Preston Grange?
We believe Computing to be an essential part of your child’s education as computers are part of everyday life. For most of us, technology is essential to our lives, at home and at work. It also allows us to solve problems, design systems, and understand the power and limits of human and machine intelligence. Through our study of Computing children gain a greater understanding of the technology all around us.
How do we teach Computing at Preston Grange?
We teach Computing as a discrete subject to ensure that children can understand the discipline best. We ensure that they understand what Computing is, why it is important and the knowledge and attributes of a good computer scientist. However, we do not neglect the links between Computing and other foundation subjects. Through our use of a 3D curriculum we ensure that learning is meaningful and deep by drawing attention to the links between subjects within a year group, across year groups and across both.
We teach Computing in six 1-week blocks across the year. This ensures the children learn deeply across a unit and allows for teachers and children to make the most of feedback.
Our curriculum is based upon the curriculum developed by The National Centre for Computing Education and funded by the Department for Education. This curriculum is built around an innovative progression framework where computing content has been organised into interconnected networks. It has been created by subject experts, using the latest pedagogical research.
We use a Knowledge Organiser for each unit this outlines the key knowledge that a child will have at the end of a unit. If a child has this knowledge and retains it over time then they are making good progress.
What makes a pupil good at Computing at Preston Grange?
We believe a pupil will have a understanding of the concepts they have studied. This knowledge must also be backed up by the ability to link together different areas of their understanding and explain this. By progressing from EYFS to KS1 to KS2, they will show a deeper, richer understanding of the world through their study and is ready to progress into KS3.
E-Safety
It is important to teach our pupils about the underpinning knowledge and behaviours that can help pupils to navigate the online world safely and confidently regardless of the device, platform or app. Every unit we teach in Computing is also supported by e-safety teaching to ensure our children are well-prepared for life in modern Britain. Please see below for an overview of e-safety teaching.