‘The digital revolution is far more significant than the invention of writing or even of printing.’

- Douglas Englebart

Computers are now part of everyday life. For most people, technology is essential to our lives, at home and at work. ‘Computational thinking’ is a skill children must be taught if they are to be ready for the workplace and able to participate effectively in this digital world. Computing is concerned with how computers and computer systems work, and how they are designed and programmed. Pupils studying computing will gain an understanding of computational systems of all kinds, whether or not they include computers. Computational thinking provides insights into many areas of the curriculum, and influences work at the cutting edge of a wide range of disciplines.

It allows children to solve problems, design systems, and understand the power and limits of human and machine intelligence. 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 the future. Children will learn about the three aspects of the computing curriculum: computer science, information technology and digital literacy. Computer science, in which pupils are taught the principles of information and computation, how digital systems work and how to put this knowledge to use through programming. Pupils are equipped to use information technology to create programs, systems and a range of content and become digitally literate – able to use, and express themselves and develop their ideas through, information and communication technology.

Our computing curriculum enables pupils to:

• Understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation.
• Analyse problems in computational terms, and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems.
• Evaluate and apply information technology, including new or unfamiliar technologies, analytically to solve problems.
• Be responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology.