In an increasingly digital world, ICT plays a crucial role in developing skills, improving communication, sharing information and of course, enhancing learning.

At Crudgington Primary School, through a positive caring environment, it is our aim to help prepare our children for life in a world where technology plays an ever more significant role.

The school’s aims are to:

• provide a relevant, challenging and enjoyable curriculum for ICT and computing for all pupils;
• meet the requirements of the national curriculum programmes of study for ICT and computing;
• use ICT and computing as a tool to enhance learning throughout the curriculum;
• to respond to new developments in technology;
• to equip pupils with the confidence and capability to use ICT and computing throughout their later life;
• to develop the understanding of how to use ICT and computing safely and responsibly.

Computing has deep links with mathematics, science, and design and technology, and provides insights into both natural and artificial systems. Our computing curriculum will give all children the opportunity to become successful learners, through exploring the breadth and depth of the national curriculum and to learn within a coherent, carefully sequenced and progressive framework. The core of Computing is computer science, in which children will be taught the principles of information and computation, how digital systems work, and how to put this knowledge to use through programming. They will develop a rich and in-depth subject knowledge, developing new knowledge and skills through a variety of interesting contexts, which will enable them to see clear links between different aspects of their learning. Building on this knowledge and understanding, pupils are equipped to use information and technology to create program, systems and a range of content. Our children will develop and demonstrate their creativity and will experience the challenge and enjoyment of learning. They will be helped to understand the purpose and value of their learning to see its relevance to their past, present and future. Computing will also ensure that children become digitally literate – able to use, and express themselves and develop their ideas through, information and communication technology – at a level suitable for the future workplace and as active participants in a digital world. “A high-quality computing education equips pupils to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world.”

Children will:

• 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 computing programs to solve such problems;
• Evaluate and apply information technology, including new or unfamiliar technologies, analytically to solve problems;
• Become responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology;
• Explore different beliefs, experiences, faiths, feelings and values towards other areas of Computing;
• Enjoy learning about the work of others around them and the surrounding world;
• Use imagination and creativity when working and will be encouraged to reflect on their experiences; Learn to appreciate cultural influences in Computing and use this learning to inform their work; Understand, accept, respect and celebrate diversity in Computing.

Our Computing curriculum will:

• Give children the opportunity to use a range of social skills to make a positive contribution to the local community and beyond;
• Allow children to appreciate diverse viewpoints about information and communication technology throughout the ages; participate, volunteer and cooperate when working collaboratively; and resolve conflict, when it arises;
• Show children how to respect and tolerate the opinions of others;
• Be part of a system where everyone will be free to express views and ideas;
• Will allow children to learn in a peaceful and supportive environment where they will get to work in a range of groups and settings, build respectful friendships and recognise that people are good at different areas in across the information and communication technology spectrum. Children will learn how to respect themselves and others and to develop their self-esteem and confidence in their abilities. They will reflect and think mindfully about their learning and will be encouraged to follow their interests and to be themselves;
• Give children the opportunity to express their opinions on a range of different computing movements. They will take part in age-appropriate discussions and make choices about the work that they complete. Children will be asked to share what they like and dislike about their learning and will be invited to contribute to the planning of their learning journey. All children will be encouraged to make a positive contribution to the school and local community and explore ways of using outcomes to become a responsible global citizen;
• Be taught through a pedagogy that excites, promotes and sustains children’s interest, enabling and fostering their natural curiosity. They will be offered a memorable experience at the start of every topic and will learn how to problem-solve, how to be creative and how to communicate. Our computing curriculum will enable the children to reflect on and evaluate their learning and will promote their innovation;
• We will enrich our computing curriculum by using quality resources in and out of the classroom as well as offering opportunities for the children to learn outdoors. We will provide on and off-site subject or topic related activities. It is important for us to welcome parents and carers to take part in children’s learning and experiences, and we will develop partnerships with external providers that extend children’s opportunities for learning.