Computing

A high-quality computing education equips pupils to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world. Computing has deep links with mathematics, science and design and technology, and provides insights into both natural and artificial systems. Computing builds on the Technology aspect of the Early Learning Goals within the EYFS. The core of computing is computer science, in which 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, pupils are equipped to use information technology to create programs, systems and a range of content. Computing also ensures that pupils become digitally literate – are able to use, and express themselves and develop their ideas through information and communication technology – at a level suitable to prepare them for the future workplace and as active participants in a digital world. We want all children to become practical problem solvers who apply invention and resourcefulness to real-world systems and ideas. This combination of principles, practice and invention makes computing an extraordinarily useful and intensely creative subject, suffused with excitement.

At Whitehill, we use ‘Switched on Computing’ by Rising Stars to structure our Computing curriculum. It is an immersive and inspiring way to educate pupils in the current technological world, providing them with the greatest opportunities to understand the ‘hows and whys’ of the technology that surrounds them in their daily lives. This curriculum develops transferable skills for pupils and fosters the independence needed to directly apply their learning at home and in the wider world, giving them skills to enable them to access and then master the technology of the future. Through a progressive and challenging learning journey, it outlines and maps the resources and steps needed for pupils to achieve the expectations of the National Curriculum programme of study, whilst also offering opportunities to extend learning both at school and at home through levels of appropriate challenge. It provides thorough and progressive learning opportunities, building upon skills learned year-upon-year, presented as fun and challenging projects directly linked to real-life and the real world.

Coverage

Switched on Computing