Computing

INTENT STATEMENT

“Whether you want to uncover the secrets of the universe, or you want to pursue a career in the 21st century, basic computer programming is an essential skill to learn”.   

Stephen Hawking

At Hampton Wick Infant and Nursery School we understand that Computing is a necessary subject which prepares children to live in a world where technology is moving at a rapid pace. So much so, we are preparing our children to work with technology that does not yet exist. Through our computing curriculum, it is our aim to equip children with the skills to participate in a rapidly changing world that is increasingly influenced by technology. 

We aim to provide children with the key skills in the 3 strands of computing to enable their knowledge in computing to develop and for all children into empower their knowledge of computing both now and in the future. It is our intention that computing is used to support creativity and cross-curricular learning that is strongly linked to the Power of Reading Scheme and termly topic content in addition to the explicit teaching of computing skills.

In line with the 2014 National Curriculum Computing is divided into three strands (Computer Science, Digital Literacy and Information Technology). 

The Computer Science strand is aimed at preparing children to understand what computer science is, as well as complex concepts such as understanding algorithms, how they are implemented as programs on digital devices and that programs execute by following a sequence of instructions. Use logical reasoning to predict and compute the behaviour of simple programs. Write and test and debug simple programs and debugging programming.

The Digital Literacy strand is aimed at preparing children to use the internet safely and develop awareness from an early age that will enable out children to have a solid understanding of how they can communicate safely and respectfully online, keeping personal information private, enabling them to confidently explore a range of digital devices responsibly, through appropriate computing behaviours.

The Information Technology strand is aimed at preparing children to work with computers and other devices, developing responsible, competent, confident users of information communication technologies such a organisation, storage, manipulation and retrieval of data in a range  of digital formats aimed at enabling our children to participate fully in the modern world as they grow.

The objectives within each strand supports the development of learning across the key stages, ensuring a solid grounding for future learning and beyond.