Implementation
At Caedmon, computing is taught using a blocked curriculum approach. This ensures pupils are able to develop depth in their knowledge and skills over the duration of each of their computing topics. Year on year previous knowledge is recapped and built on to give an in-depth approach to our teaching and learning.
In Key Stage 1 the children will be taught to use technology safely and respectfully, keeping personal information private; identify where to go for help and support when they have concerns about content or contact on the internet. Children will continue to understand what algorithms are; how they are implemented as programs on digital devices; and that programs execute by following precise and unambiguous instructions. They will be taught to create and debug simple programs and use logical reasoning to predict the behaviour of simple programs. Children will be shown how to use a range of technology purposefully to create, organise, store, manipulate and retrieve digital content as well as recognise common uses of information technology beyond school.
In Key Stage 2 Caedmon children will build in depth on skills they have already acquired from key stage 1. Children will write and debug programs that accomplish specific goals, including controlling or simulating physical systems. They will use sequence, selection, and repetition in programs, using logical reasoning to explain how some simple algorithms work and correct errors in algorithms and computer science based applications. Children will be taught to understand computer networks, including the internet, and the opportunities they offer for communication and collaboration. They will use search technologies effectively, learn to appreciate how results are selected and ranked, and be discerning in evaluating digital content. Children will continue to be educated in using technology safely, respectfully and responsibly; recognising acceptable and unacceptable behaviour and understanding how to report concerns.
Alongside our innovative curriculum, we try to plan out of school activities and external trips to help to fully immerse children in all things computing, Year 6 regular attend the car factory Nissan to conduct a computer science day; exploring algorithms as well as assembling their own models and programming them effectively. We hope this has the desired effect of educating and inspiring pupils on future careers in the computing industry.