Computing
Computing is changing the lives of everyone, especially those of children and young people. At Lamberhurst St Mary’s we want our pupils to become confident, inquisitive learners, responsible learners of Computing.
We aspire for them to be able to gain a rich range of skills which will enable them to take advantage of all opportunities and experiences that are offered to them on their journey to becoming successful citizens, nurturing excitement and giving them support.
At the centre of our Computing curriculum are the ‘Three Pillars’ of Computing:
Computer Science,
Information Technology
Digital Literacy
Pupils gain an understanding of these three pillars through ‘Declarative Knowledge’, (knowledge of facts, rules and principle. It can be described as ‘knowing that’) and ‘Procedural Knowledge’ (knowledge of how to use technology, ‘knowing how’).
In Computer Science we teach our pupils how computers and computer systems work and how they are designed and programmed. It encompasses knowledge of computational thinking which allows pupils to solve computing problems, data, algorithms and programming.
Through Information Technology we teach pupils the purposeful use of existing programs to develop products and solutions.
In Digital Literacy we teach and develop the skills knowledge and understanding needed in order to participate fully and safely in an increasingly digital world.
Online safety is rooted in our curriculum, pupils are taught about the benefits that the Internet can offer alongside their responsibility to use it safely and respectfully. We aim to empower our pupils to acquire the knowledge needed to use technology in a safe, considered and respectful way, and develop their resilience so they can manage and respond to online risks and skills to assess the reliability of online content. To enable this, we ensure that online safety is an integral part of our teaching running through every term of the school year.
We follow the Kapow Computing Scheme which is a specialist-created Computing scheme of work. Through this we teach a broad and balanced curriculum of engaging lessons. This learning journey ensures a clear progression of skills for each year group teaching the necessary component building blocks to enable composite understanding (the whole), always building on what has been taught before.
We teach using a range of software including Beebots, Scr
atch, HTML, Python, Stop Animation, Word and Excel. We are fortunate to have desktop computers, laptops and iPads readily available to all pupils, so in addition to our dedicated Computing lessons, we are able to make use of technology across other areas of the curriculum.
Digital technology is driving extraordinary global changes that some are calling the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Navigating these changes effectively and safely requires a significant understanding of digital literacy, information technology and computer science. Ofsted Review
I think it’s fair to say that personal computers have become the most empowering tool we’ve ever created. They’re tools of communication, they’re tools of creativity, and they can be shaped by their user. Bill Gates
Computers themselves, and software yet to be developed, will revolutionize the way we learn. Steve Jobs