Computing

Subject Intent

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 artificial and natural systems. 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, able to use, and express themselves and develop their ideas through information and communication technology, at a suitable level for the future workplace and as active participants in a digital world.

Our pupils are responsible, competent, confident and creative users of a variety of hardware and software. They can analyse and solve problems and use this when working with programs and algorithms. They understand how the internet works and are discerning about search results. The Barton Park Computer Scientist can apply their digital literacy skills to create, save and retrieve content across a number of technologies. They can make connections with other areas of learning and understand the importance of technology in the wider world.

Our pupils understand how to keep themselves, and others, safe when they are online. They understand steps to take both practically and emotionally in order to make good decisions when online in a variety of contexts. Teachers know that this is an essential part of our safeguarding practice and stretches beyond the computing curriculum.

In our school:

• We use the Teach Computing curriculum, ensuring that objectives across all strands of computing are revisited and embedded within and across year groups and key stages to ensure cumulative fluency; 
• E-safety is taught throughout the computing curriculum as well as within the PSHE curriculum during E-safety week. Teachers know to make links to e-safety at other relevant points in the year through PSHE, values, circle time, responding to the needs of their cohort and the local/national context.  
• Pupils make connections between and across curriculum areas and apply this understanding to a range of purposeful, engaging and practical contexts;
• Development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills helps to develop pupils’ character.

Subject Lead: Liz Newbury