Computing combines three related but different subjects: computer science, digital literacy, and information technology.
Computer Science is the scientific and practical approach to computation and its applications. It is the core concepts that are used in all areas of computing, including networks, computers, data, programs and algorithms. At St Bon's we teach Purple Mash coding blocks from Year 1 to Year 4, and real-language coding with Swift in Years 5 and 6.
Digital Literacy is the knowledge, skills and behaviours used in digital devices which are seen as a network. It includes important knowledge of online safety, and is linked to PSHME. Please look at the resources on the Online Safety page for tips and advice on how to help your children with online safety at home.
Information Technology is about using computers to present, edit and communicate data. At St Bon's these skills are practised and improved across many subjects as part of our cross-curriculum themes, using and combining programs to produce and present content for different audiences.
Computer Science is the scientific and practical approach to computation and its applications. It is the core concepts that are used in all areas of computing, including networks, computers, data, programs and algorithms. At St Bon's we teach Purple Mash coding blocks from Year 1 to Year 4, and real-language coding with Swift in Years 5 and 6.
Digital Literacy is the knowledge, skills and behaviours used in digital devices which are seen as a network. It includes important knowledge of online safety, and is linked to PSHME. Please look at the resources on the Online Safety page for tips and advice on how to help your children with online safety at home.
Information Technology is about using computers to present, edit and communicate data. At St Bon's these skills are practised and improved across many subjects as part of our cross-curriculum themes, using and combining programs to produce and present content for different audiences.
The Computing Curriculum
The new curriculum comprises three areas of computing: computer science, digital literacy and information technology. There is more subject knowledge required in computer science than before, and in particular, an emphasis on coding.
Key stage 1
We aim for all children to 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
We aim for all children to 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; manage privacy and bullying online, identify a range of ways to report concerns about content and contact.
Useful Links
The BBC's free online study resources, with very clear explanations and videos for all of KS1 and KS2 Computing. An excellent place to start learning about computing concepts.
Wikipedia with shorter sentences and simpler words and grammar, for children and people who find it harder to learn or read. Their articles are great for children to learn computing concepts and vocabulary. With supervision, they can edit these articles to show off their knowledge and experience presenting content for the web, for the world to see!
Purple Mash
Purple Mash
At St Bon's we use Purple Mash to teach coding, email, algorithms and much more. There are interactive and creative activities to help learn subjects across the computing curriculum as well as English, maths, science, PSHME and our Topic curriculum. Your child will have a login for the St Bon's portal.
Codecademy
Codecademy
Lots of children become inspired by computing and want to go even further and learn real-life programming and markup languages. Codecademy is renowned for making easier-to-understand lessons for languages that build the web, such as HTML, CSS and JavaScript.
Glossary
There are a lot of technical terms which can come up in Computing. Here's a glossary which may come in handy in conversations with your children.