Computing

Aims The national curriculum for computing aims to ensure 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.

Subject content Key stage 1 Pupils should be taught to:

§ understand what algorithms are; how they are implemented as programs on digital devices; and that programs execute by following precise and unambiguous instructions

§ create and debug simple programs

§ use logical reasoning to predict the behaviour of simple programs

§ use technology purposefully to create, organise, store, manipulate and retrieve digital content

§ recognise common uses of information technology beyond school

§ use technology safely and respectfully, keeping personal information private; identify where to go for help and support when they have concerns about content or contact on the internet or other online technologies. Key stage 2 Pupils should be taught to:

§ design, write and debug programs that accomplish specific goals, including controlling or simulating physical systems; solve problems by decomposing them into smaller parts

§ use sequence, selection, and repetition in programs; work with variables and various forms of input and output

§ use logical reasoning to explain how some simple algorithms work and to detect and correct errors in algorithms and programs

§ understand computer networks including the internet; how they can provide multiple services, such as the world wide web; and the opportunities they offer for communication and collaboration

§ use search technologies effectively, appreciate how results are selected and ranked, and be discerning in evaluating digital content

§ select, use and combine a variety of software (including internet services) on a range of digital devices to design and create a range of programs, systems and content that accomplish given goals, including collecting, analysing, evaluating and presenting data and information

§ use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly; recognise acceptable/unacceptable behaviour; identify a range of ways to report concerns about content and contact