Computing
Intent:
Technology is essential to everyday life and ‘computational thinking’ is a vital skill when it 
comes to participating in an increasingly digital world. The computing curriculum has been developed to equip young people with the skills, knowledge and understanding of computing that they will need throughout the rest of their lives. Young people will learn how computers and computer systems work, how to design and build programmes, and how to develop their ideas using technology.
There is a focus on computational thinking and creativity, as well as scope for innovative work in programming and digital media. At East Preston Infant School we use the ‘Switched On’ scheme of work to teach the computing curriculum.
Computing is a core subject for pupils aged 5 to 16 and the curriculum comprises the following three strands:
- Computer Science (CS)
- Information Technology (IT)
- Digital Literacy (DL)
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
Implementation:
In the Early Years, Computing opportunities are provided for the children throughout the term. Teachers follow areas of the Switched On scheme of work alongside PurpleMash software which link Computing to the seven different areas of learning and development in the Early Years Foundation Stage. Children also have the opportunity to apply the skills as part of their independent learning activities.
In Key Stage 1, Computing is taught weekly as an explicit lesson. Teachers follow the Switched on scheme of work that breaks the Computing curriculum down into different skills which also link to year group topics throughout the year. Our scheme directly corresponds to the school’s progression of knowledge and skills document which helps teachers to highlight particular skills and areas children need to focus on whilst also ensuring that there is progression through each National Curriculum strand. Children's learning is evidenced in children’s learning journals as well as their PurpleMash work folders.