Computing at Whitehouse Primary

With technology being at the forefront of today’s ever-changing world, it is important that Computing is embraced and pupils can access a rich, broad, and balanced computing curriculum.

At Whitehouse Primary School, we aim to ensure every child can enjoy and succeed in computing, by providing a creative and engaging curriculum which highlights the real-life application of technology in ways relevant to pupils. Our ambitious curriculum is designed to develop resilience, persistence, and confidence in our pupils computing abilities, real life skills than can be transferable to the ever-evolving challenges of life. We believe that mastery in computing is the acquisition of a deep, long-term, secure, and adaptable understanding of the subject. This is demonstrated by how skilfully pupils can apply their learning in computing to new situations in unfamiliar contexts. All pupils are encouraged to believe in their ability to master computing and are empowered to succeed through curiosity, tinkering and perseverance.

The teaching of Computing follows three main strands;
• Computer Science
• Information technology
• Digital literacy.

Computer science is taught as a discrete subject and progressively teaches the scientific and practical study of computation; what can be computed, how to compute it, and how computation may be applied to the solution of problems. Computational thinking is a thought process. It is identifying a problem and expressing solutions.
The progression within this strand is to explore in an ‘unplugged’ scenario that is tangible, move onto using concrete resources to practise the skills and finally to apply the learning to create something more purposely and independently.

Information technology is integrated within all subjects and allows the children to use a variety of software and devices for purpose. They will learn how computers and telecommunications equipment work, and how they may be applied to the storage, retrieval, transmission and manipulation of data.

Digital literacy is taught discretely and reinforced in all subjects. It is the ability to effectively, responsibly, safely and critically navigate, evaluate and create digital artefacts using a range of digital technologies.
Children’s online activity and behaviour will be different both within and across the age ranges. The following eight units will be taught flexibly in order to support learning that is relevant to the children’s’ online behaviour and experiences and matched to their readiness for new learning. The eight units are as follows; self-image and identity, online relationships, online reputation, online bullying, managing online information, health, well-being and lifestyle, privacy and security, copyright and ownership.

The Computing curriculum at Whitehouse Primary School will allow children the opportunity to become active participants in creating content with purpose rather than being passive receivers. It will encourage the children to question and challenge themselves and provide space for them to positively express who they are and how they want their voice to be heard.