Welcome to Computing

Computers are now part of everyday life. For most of us, technology is essential to our lives, at home and at work. ‘Computational thinking’ is a skill pupils must be taught if they are to be ready for the workplace and able to participate effectively in this digital world.

The national curriculum for computing aims to equip young people with the foundation skills, knowledge and understanding of computing they will need for the rest of their lives. Through the national curriculum programme of study for computing, they will learn how computers and computer systems work, they will design and build programs, develop their ideas using technology and create a range of content.

In the Ark Network, we provide the pupils with a high-quality computing education which equips them to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world. Computing is made up of three main areas; computer science, information technology and digital literacy. Our aims within computing are to teach pupils:

• The principles of information and computations
• How digital systems work
• Programming and coding
• To use information technology to create programs, systems and a range of content
• To use, express and develop ideas through information technology

These will all be taught at a level suitable for the future workplace and as active participants in a digital world.

It is our aim that as well as being taught as a discreet subject, computing will become embedded throughout all subjects within our curriculum

Computing is a significant part of everyone’s daily life and our pupils should be at the forefront of new technology. Computing within academies can provide a wealth of learning opportunities and transferrable skills explicitly within the Computing lesson and across other curriculum subjects.

Through the study of Computing, pupils 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 pupils would be at a disadvantage were they not to be exposed to a thorough and robust Computing curriculum.

In the Early Years, pupils will be taught to recognise that a range of technology is used in places such as homes and schools. They select and use technology for particular purposes. This is within the Understanding the World Early Learning Goal.

Impact

Within the Ark Network we recognise that our pupils bring with them a range of experiences and expertise which enable them to apply the knowledge we teach them. Learning and knowledge is not bound by what is taught within the Computing lesson, or through use of Computing in other curriculum areas. The impact of what we teach needs to reflect this enormous range, and this will be broader than looking at the skills associated with a particular key stage. Using the Computing at School descriptors can help teachers assess the knowledge and application for individual pupils and classes.

All Year 1 subjects Next Year 1 Subject - Design Technology

All Year 2 subjects Next Year 2 Subject - Design Technology

All Year 3 subjects Next Year 3 Subject - Design Technology

All Year 4 subjects Next Year 4 Subject - Design Technology

All Year 5 subjects Next Year 5 Subject - Design Technology

All Year 6 subjects Next Year 6 Subject - Design Technology