What does Computing at St Mark's look like....?

 We believe that computing is an essential part of the National Curriculum. Computing is an integral part of modern day life and therefore provides a wealth of learning opportunities, explicitly within computing and also across other curriculum subjects. Through the study of computing, children are able to develop a wide range of fundamental skills, knowledge and understanding that they will need for the rest of their lives. Computers have become a part of everyday life. For most of us, technology is essential to our daily lives, at home and at work. ‘Computational thinking’ is a skill children must be taught in order to provide them with essential knowledge and skills that will enable them to participate effectively in the digital world.

The new national curriculum defines three clear aspects of computing curriculum: Computer Science (CS), Information Technology (IT) and Digital Literacy (DL). Children will be given the opportunity to develop their knowledge and understanding in each area from Year 3 to 6.

Whilst at St Mark's, the children will design, write and debug programs that accomplish specific goals, including controlling or simulating physical systems; solve problems by decomposing them into smaller parts.  They will use sequence, selection, and repetition in programs, use logical reasoning to explain how some simple algorithms work and correct errors in algorithms and programs. 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 be taught to select, use and combine a variety of software (including internet services) on a range of digital devices to create a range of programs, systems and content that accomplish given goals. They will use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly; recognise acceptable /unacceptable behaviour; identify a range of ways to report concerns about content and contact.

Due to the changing nature of the digital world and the speed of new gaming technologies, we have recognised that some basic skills in word processing and presentational devices have declined. Therefore, the Year 3 children will begin with a "Crash Course" in Microsoft Word and Powerpoint. 

Please see below for the Computing Curriculum Plan, created  by Subject Lead Mrs Leanne Bonser

What does "Mastery" in Computing actually look like?

Mastery is obtaining a greater level of understanding and being able to apply learning in a different context.

Open-ended challenges allow learners to develop computational thinking.  They provide a way for learners working at mastery level to develop their knowledge and skills independently.  At the same time they can be used with others in the class to allow them to be part of developing the process, skills and understanding to achieve a particular outcome. 

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