Computing

Purpose of study 

A high-quality 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.

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

Technologies 

Digital technologies are now critical components of the way we communicate. ICT is fundamental to the functioning of society and the economy as a whole and as such is key to high quality learning and teaching in schools. Here at Garlinge we recognise that learners must be taught to use and develop these technologies safely and effectively.

All our classrooms are equipped with Interactive Whiteboards and a digital projector, enabling staff and children to develop new ways of presenting, sharing and manipulating information and ideas.To this aim all pupils, from Nursery to Year 6, are provided with opportunities to explore a wide range of digital technology within the Primary Curriculum.

Children and staff have access to a variety of devices for delivering ICT and other curriculum subjects:

I-pads and Windows laptops.

I-Pads	Windows Laptops
Digital Cameras	Programmable Devices	Control and Sensing Devices

Controllable models	Microscopes

Our software and technology collection is unusually large for a primary school and is extended regularly to take account of new developments and opportunities.

Purple Mash and Home Learning 

Our most recent addition to the computing that we do here at Garlinge Primary and Nursery School is Purple Mash. This is a comprehensive package of curriculum tools that enable children to explore all of the curriculum from English, Phonics, Reading, Writing, Maths, Geography, History, Science, RE, PSHE and Art. In addition, there are tools for teaching computer coding, digital literacy and E-Safety. All children in the school have logins and secure passwords with parental controls which allows them to access home learning as well as in-school learning. It is proving to be very popular.