Computing

Intent: At St Kentigern’s our aim is to provide a high-quality computing education which equips children to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world. The curriculum will teach children key knowledge about how computers and computer systems work, and how they are designed and programmed. Learners will have the opportunity to gain an understanding of computational systems of all kinds, whether or not they include computers.

Implementation: Computing at St Kentigern’s supports pupils in the acquisition of knowledge, through the use of key concepts, terms, and vocabulary, providing opportunities to build a shared and consistent understanding. We use physical computing and making activities that offer tactile and sensory experiences to enhance learning. Combining electronics and programming with arts and crafts (especially through exploratory projects) provides pupils with a creative, engaging context to explore and apply computing concepts. We teach new concepts by first unpacking complex terms and ideas, exploring these ideas in unplugged and familiar contexts, then repacking this new understanding into the original concept.

Impact: By the end of Key Stage 2, we want all children to be flexible, creative, responsible and confident users of technology, who are able to choose the best tool to fulfil the task and challenge set by teachers. Children can analyse problems in computational terms, and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems. Children can evaluate and apply information technology, including new or unfamiliar technologies, analytically to solve problems. Children are responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology.