Computing
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, and provides insights into both natural and artificial systems.
The core of computing is computer science, in which pupils are taught the principles of information and computation, how digital systems work, and how to put this knowledge to use through programming.
Building on this knowledge and understanding, pupils 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 a level suitable for the future workplace and as active participants in a digital world.
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.
Year 1
- 1. Computing systems and networks – Technology around us
- 2. Creating media – Digital painting
- 3. Programming A – Moving a robot
- 4. Data and information – Grouping data
- 5. Creating media – Digital writing
- 6. Programming B - Programming animations
Year 2
- 1. Computing systems and networks – IT around us
- 2. Creating media – Digital photography
- 3. Programming A – Robot algorithms
- 4. Data and information – Pictograms
- 5. Creating media - Digital music
- 6. Programming B - Programming quizzes
Year 3
- 1. Computing systems and networks – Connecting computers
- 2. Creating media - Stop-frame animation
- 3. Programming A - Sequencing sounds
- 4. Data and information – Branching databases
- 5. Creating media – Desktop publishing
- 6. Programming B - Events and actions in programs
Year 4
- 1. Computing systems and networks – The Internet
- 2. Creating media - Audio production
- 3. Programming A – Repetition in shapes
- 4. Data and information – Data logging
- 5. Creating media – Photo editing
- 6. Programming B – Repetition in games
Year 5
- 1. Computing systems and networks - Systems and searching
- 2. Creating media - Video production
- 3. Programming A – Selection in physical computing
- 4. Data and information – Flat-file databases
- 5. Creating media – Introduction to vector graphics
- 6. Programming B – Selection in quizzes
Year 6
- 1. Computing systems and networks - Communication and collaboration
- 2. Creating media – Web page creation
- 3. Programming A – Variables in games
- 4. Data and information - Introduction to Spreadsheets
- 5. Creating media – 3D Modelling
- 6. Programming B - Sensing movement