The Intent, implementation and Impact of our Curriculum – Digital Literacy and Computing
Intent
At Carlton, we believe that Digital Literacy and Computing are an essential part of the curriculum; subjects that should not stand alone, but should be an integral part of all learning. Computing, in general, is a significant part of everyone’s daily life and children should be at the forefront of new technology, with a thirst for learning what is out there. Computing within schools can therefore provide a wealth of learning opportunities and transferable skills explicitly within the Computing lesson and across other curriculum subjects.
Through the study of Computing, children will be able to develop a wide range of fundamental skills, knowledge and understanding that will equip them for the rest of their life. Computers and technology are such a part of everyday life that our children would be at a disadvantage would they not be exposed to a thorough and robust Computing curriculum. Children live in an area where there are many future employment opportunities within the broad scope of ‘technology’ and they must be taught skills and ways of thinking that will enable them to participate effectively and safely in the digital world beyond our gates.
Implementation
In EYFS the children will become familiar with technology both through the use of real devices and within a role-play setting. They will look at cause and effect – what happens when I press this button? – and will develop an understanding of using technology to accomplish a goal. They will also learn some key off-line computing skills, such as following and creating sets of instructions.
In Key Stage 1 the children will learn 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. They 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. They will be taught to use technology safely and respectfully, keeping personal information private. They will be able to identify where to go for help and support when they have concerns about content or contact on the internet or other online technologies. Each of these skills will be taught through exciting half termly units.
In Key Stage 2 the children will design, write and debug programs that accomplish specific goals, including controlling or simulating physical systems. They will 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. They will use these skills in both an on- and off-line context. 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. They will learn to recognise acceptable/unacceptable behaviour and identify a range of ways to report concerns about content and contact.
Impact
After the implementation of this robust computing curriculum, children at Carlton will be digitally literate and confident in a range of skills. They will be equipped, not only with the skills and knowledge to use technology effectively and for their own benefit, but more importantly – safely. The biggest impact we want on our children is that they understand the consequences of using the internet and that they are also aware of how to keep themselves safe online.
As children become more confident in their abilities in Computing, they will become more independent and key life skills such as problem-solving, logical thinking and self-evaluation become second nature.