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. The core of computing is computer science, in which children are taught the principles of information and computation, how digital systems work, and how to put this knowledge to use through programming. Children 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 Grayshott we follow the statutory National Curriculum for Computing. By the end of Year 6 children should be able to:

• understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation
• analyse problems in computational terms, and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems
• evaluate and apply information technology, including new or unfamiliar technologies, analytically to solve problems

The school has made considerable investment in ICT resources over recent years and each class has an interactive whiteboard. We have sets of laptops and ipads for both Key Stage 1 and 2 which are used throughout the school.

We use technology across all areas of the curriculum as a valuable tool for enriching learning and as a means for developing computing skills. Varied software and screened websites are used throughout all classes.

E-Safety

E-safety is taught through both Computing and PSHE. We teach children to become responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology.

Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Development

Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural (SMSC)

understanding in Computing

Here are some examples of how our computing curriculum provides our students with opportunities to develop SMSC understanding.

SPIRITUAL

Understanding the advancements and limitations of computing on our day to day lives. Opportunities to develop a sense of awe and wonder at human ingenuity.

MORAL

By teaching the importance of Internet and online safety when working online using a variety of different platforms.

Ensuring the children have the knowledge and tools to report any instances of bullying, cyber-bullying and online safety issues. 

Exploring the moral issues around data and sharing information.

SOCIAL

By highlighting and teaching ways to stay safe when using online services and games.

Teaching and discussing the different ways that the Internet has impacted on communication.

Preparing the children for the challenges of living and learning in a technologically enriched increasingly interconnected world.

Ensuring the children acknowledge advances in technology and appreciation for human achievement in a technological world.

Making clear the guidelines about the ethical use of the Internet and how we keep others and ourselves safe by discussing the moral and social implications of cyberbullying.

CULTURAL

Providing the children the opportunity to learn about different cultures through the use of the Internet and online platforms – such as Newsround, BBC Bitesize and education videos.

Providing the children opportunities to explore human achievements and creativity in relation to a worldwide communication platform.