Computing

At Darrick Wood Infant & Nursery School we believe that computational thinking is vital in helping children to solve problems, design systems, and understand the power and limits of human and machine intelligence. We believe it is a skill that empowers, and one that all pupils should be aware of and develop competence in. Pupils who can think computationally are better able to conceptualise, understand and use computer-based technology, and so are better prepared for today’s world and future.

The aims of Computing are to enable children to:

• Become creative, logical, critical thinkers, who reason systematically and work collaboratively. Risk taking and innovation will be enriched through the computer science.
• Analyse problems in computational terms, and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems.
• Appreciate the relevance of digital literacy in our society and that they see it as an essential tool for learning, communication, finding information and for controlling and understanding their environment.
• To explore their attitudes towards computing and its value to them. For example, to learn about issues of security, confidentiality, staying safe online and accuracy. As children‛s confidence grows they will be able to make informed and discerning choices about their use of information technology.

In line with the National Curriculum for Computing, our aim is to provide a high-quality computing education which equips children to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world. Children will have gained key knowledge and skills in the three main areas of the computing curriculum: computer science (programming and understanding how digital systems work), information technology (using computer systems to store, retrieve and send information) and digital literacy (evaluating digital content and using technology safely and respectfully).