Computing
We are Digital Engineers
Intent:
At Amesbury Primary School, children gain a deep understanding of computers and how they work. Children have the opportunity to use a range of devices in which they learn how to research and present data, as well as learning how to code and debug pieces of code. All children have access to computing regardless of their academic ability, race, ethnicity, background and language. We aim to provide all children with the opportunity to progress to the next level of their digital excellence. Alongside everything we do, we continually embed our values of: kindness, dignity and endurance into the teaching of computing.
What is the point in being a Digital Engineer?
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. 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 level suitable for the future workplace and as active participants in a digital world.
The aims of being a Digital Engineer are:
- can understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation
- can analyse problems in computational terms, and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems
- can evaluate and apply information technology, including new or unfamiliar technologies, analytically to solve problems
- are responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology.
Implementation:
The computing curriculum is categorised into 10 strands: algorithms; computer networks; computer systems; creating media; data and information; design and development; effective use of tools; impact of technology; programming; safety and security. Children will be taught each of these skills throughout their time at Amesbury Primary. Inside the classroom, children will complete both plugged and unplugged activities to ensure that they have a deep understanding of a concept. Concepts are often linked to real-life scenario so that the children can make connections and understand the concepts behind computing. By looking at a range of uses of technology and exposure to a variety of digital devices, children have the opportunity to grow a passion for computing. Children are also taught how to be safe online and this underpins all computer based learning in school.
Impact:
Throughout the children’s journey at Amesbury, their computing skills are built on every year. The children begin by recognising the technology around them and programming Beebots and then progressively build on their skills and understanding in KS1. In KS2, the children will further develop their skills and knowledge of the subject in order to confidently access computing through: coding, being computer literate and being able to safely and securely use online tools and evaluating content they find online. Throughout all of this, the child’s enjoyment of computing is a key element, running alongside the learning of computer skills and completion of objectives. At Amesbury, we wish our children to be able to fully function technologically both in todays society and be prepared for what they may encounter as citizens in a growingly advanced world.