Computing

Subject vision statement

Computing

“Coding is today’s language of creativity. All our children deserve a chance to become creators instead of consumers of computer science” – Maria Klawe

Definition of the subject

Computing is the study, development, implementation and management of computer information technology. Computing education equips pupils to use computational thinking, problem solving and creativity to understand and contribute to a technologically advancing world.

Pupil Friendly definition

Computing lessons help us to solve problems, create content, and understand how computers work, alongside learning how to keep ourselves and others safe online.

Subject Aims

Children at HBJS analyse and explore programming, discover how technology works, analyse and present data and learn how to keep themselves and others safe online. Teachers equip children with the skills and knowledge to become confident, respectful and responsible users of digital technology. We encourage children to achieve a healthy balance between their ‘offline’ and ‘online’ life, with an emphasis on maintaining positive mental health.

Subject dream

Computing lessons provide the opportunity for children to develop essential transferable skills such as problem solving, resilience and creativity which will play a crucial role in learning for life. Children who are confident, creative users of technology are better able to communicate and thrive in the modern world. Children will feel prepared for some of the challenges that they may face in our rapidly developing digital world. They will be responsible digital citizens who are able to keep themselves and others safe online.

5-point fingerprint (academic essence of the subject)

1. Creative users of information technology to accomplish specific goals and purposes.

2. Competent programmers who use computational thinking to create content and design digital systems.

3. Efficient in retrieving, analysing, manipulating and presenting data.

4. Knowledgeable, respectful and responsible when online.

5. Effective problem solvers, able to apply known rules and use logical reasoning.

Big Ideas

Thinking like a programmer

To problem solve by working systematically and logically in manageable chunks, and being resilient when facing challenges.

Networks

The interconnected computing devices or systems that can exchange data and share resources.

Coding

The process of writing instructions (using a programming language), in order for a device to perform tasks.

Data

Any kind of information that can be collected, organised and analysed.

Digital Content

Data that is produced and supplied in a digital form. For example, computer system software, films, downloaded music or mobile phone application software.

Digital Purpose

The reason for which something digital is created.

Online Safety

How to keep ourselves and others safe online, and an awareness of any risks that may be faced when using the internet.