Computing is an essential skill in the modern world.
At SMSP, we use the National Curriculum as the starting point for all of our teaching in Computing. The National Curriculum aims for Computing are that all pupils:
- 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.
All children at SMSP have the opportunity to work with Information Technology from Reception to Year 6 and are taught the skill of computational thinking. They learn how to use ICT to find, analyse and present information in safe, responsible and creative ways, enhancing their learning across the curriculum. They explore how computers and computational systems function and are given opportunities to design and build their own programs.
Younger children are exposed to basic computational and multi-media theory using technology such as digital cameras, sound recorders and programmable machines, as well as gaining hands-on experience of both touch-screen and traditional keyboard and mouse interfaces.
Further up in the school, children have the opportunity to create digital artwork and videos; use the Internet to research and publish work; collect, analyse and present data using a range of software; and program their own games and apps.
In addition to discrete Computing lessons, children have the opportunity to apply their acquired technological skills across the curriculum. We are well-resourced with IT hardware, including several sets of iPads and Chromebooks, and make effective use of a range of digital and online teaching resources. We strive to ensure that all children have equal access regardless of their home circumstances or educational needs.
Ensuring children are fully equipped for the online world is a high priority at SMSP. The computing curriculum includes regular lessons on how to engage positively with the Internet and other communication technology. Lessons are taught in an age-appropriate and relevant context and include topics such as:
- how to safeguard their online identity and reputation;
- how to protect themselves from encountering inappropriate content/contact and how to respond, should it happen;
- how to behave in a responsible way that makes the Internet a safe place for others;
- how laws around data-protection and copyright apply to themselves and others.
In addition, online safety messages are delivered across the curriculum and in regular assemblies. The school also participates in the annual National Safer Internet Day.
By the time children leave SMSP, they will have developed a broad range of the transferable skills and knowledge required to succeed in a technologically-centred world. Children will have a solid foundation in the skills needed to adapt to future developments in this area.