Computing in the national curriculum

Computing in the National Curriculum
A guide for primary teachers

For an example of progression and activities in this strand see this by Somerset LA. Once children have had the opportunity to use technology and discuss how they think it works there are plenty of resources available to help. LGfL History of Computing A Brave New World explores some aspects of technology in the real world. Simon Houghton offers a useful suggestion for discussions around real world technologies here. These activities by NGfL Cymru Grid explore what a computer does and what other devices can be used for. Children can also compare new with old technologies. The 'Kids react to..'. series of videos showing children's reactions to old computers, telephones and music players is an interesting starting point for discussion around this.

Recognise common uses of information technology beyond school

Digital technology is a part of all our lives, with almost no sphere untouched by it. A Key Stage 1 pupil might be woken by a digital alarm clock, have a bowl of microwaved porridge for breakfast, and then watch digital TV or play an iPad game before travelling to school, their journey guided or tracked via GPS.

pupils looking at screen

While they’re at school, their attendance, progress and lunch are tracked through the management information system, they engage in activities on tablets, and research things on the web. Their parents use digital technology at work, perhaps using computerised control and monitoring equipment in manufacturing, productivity suites in an office, or high-end digital tools in creative industries.

The ingredients for the evening meal may have been ordered online, or a parent may have scanned them at the supermarket, whose supply chain is controlled by smart systems. Evening entertainment might be computer gaming with a Wii or Kinect. Parents and older siblings socialise on smartphones or laptops, and the book at bedtime might be read on an e-book reader.

There are many opportunities for pupils to consider the applications of algorithms, programs and systems.

About

This LGfL guide is an adapted version of 'Computing in the National Curriculum: A guide for primary teachers'. Modifications include additional hyperlinks, alterations to the menu structure, typesetting and cover design.

Author

Author: Miles Berry

Consultants: Amanda Jackson, Penny Paterson and Dave Smith of Havering School Improvement Services

Text design, typesetting and Cover Design: Burville-Riley Partnership.

Photography: Ron Coello

Computing at School are grateful to the following contributors: Phil Bagge, Andrea Carr, Emma Davis, Graham Hastings, Lance G. Howarth, Simon Humphreys, Chris Mairs, Joe McCrossan, Simon Peyton-Jones. Thanks to the children and teachers of Ringwood Infants School and Ringwood Junior School, Ringwood, Abbotswood Junior School, Totton and Gordonbrock Primary School, Lewisham.

We would like to acknowledge and thank ARM Holdings and Raspberry Pi Foundation for their kind financial support without which the production of this guide would not have been possible.

Copyright

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License