Computing
The New Computing Curriculum develops both skills and knowledge. Children are taught computer science. This includes the craft of coding, from KS1 onwards – floor and screen turtles at KS1 to Scratch at KS2. Children learn about programming, data, algorithms and networks. This enables children to develop an understanding of the principles of computer science. They develop computational thinking. There’s also a focus on problem solving: using logic and ideas about systems, patterns (and pattern languages), abstraction and decomposition.
The new curriculum puts a clearer emphasis on three areas of learning:
Computer science - how computers work and how to write algorithms and solve problems to eventually create a computer program.
Information technology - how data is represented and managed on computers.
Digital literacy - how to understand digital information and interact with it safely and appropriately.
The aim of the new curriculum is to build an understanding of how computers work and how they can be used in pupils’ lives - both in their future employment and in enabling them to be good 21st Century global citizens.
At Christ Church learners have the opportunity to use ICT within the class across a range of subjects. Learners have access to both laptops and iPads.
Pupils are also taught about how to keep themselves safe on line.
We have advice from teachers, parents and online safety experts on subjects ranging from Virtual Reality, to body image in the social media age, to live streaming. We have tips from online safety experts, parents and children and young people themselves.
We also have an updated guide to setting parental controls on apps and devices, and information on gaming and keeping kids safe while they play. The online version of the magazine includes live links in the Tools section to make finding out about parental controls even easier.