Welcome to our Linden Computing page!

 On this page you will find information about what your child will be learning in this subject, photographs of work that has taken place and links to helpful websites. If you are looking for information on how to help keep your child safe online please look at the online safety guides at the bottom of the page.

 We hope that you find this page useful.

What is Computing?

‘Computers themselves, and software yet to be developed, will revolutionize the way we learn.’
Steve Jobs

‘I think it's fair to say that personal computers have become the most empowering tool we've ever created. They're tools of communication, they're tools of creativity, and they can be shaped by their user.’
Bill Gates

Within computing, there are three distinct strands within computing, each of which is complementary to the others: computer
science, information technology, and digital literacy. Each component is essential in preparing pupils to thrive in an increasingly digital world.

Why is Computing important?

Computing and computer technology are part of just about everything in our lives. Most people use computer technology in their daily lives, whether that be for internet shopping, gaming or social media. Our society and the wider world is increasingly reliant on people understanding computers. We know that jobs, which don’t yet exist, will require increasingly sophisticated technology which we want our pupils to be confident to manipulate. By studying computing, pupils will build their knowledge and understanding of technical skills, such as programming and learn to use a range of applications, which they will use in everyday life. Computing contributes significantly to developing pupils’ creativity, problem solving and perseverance.

At Linden, our intent is to:

When planning and teaching computing at Linden Primary School, we believe that it is an essential part of the curriculum; a subject that not only stands alone but is woven and should be an integral part of all learning. Computing, in general, is a significant part of everyone’s daily life and children should be at the forefront of new technology and learn to become digitally literate and also responsible online citizens.

Our main priority of computing at our school is to engage children with an exciting curriculum that allows them to learn through interacting with a variety of technology and making transferrable links to the real world.

Through the study of Computing, children will be able to develop a wide range of fundamental skills, knowledge and understanding that will equip them for the rest of their life. Computers and technology are such a part of everyday life that our children would be at a disadvantage would they not be exposed to a thorough and robust Computing curriculum.

We would like our children to be taught computing in the form of ‘Computational Thinking’ in order to provide them essential knowledge that will enable them to participate effectively and safely in the digital world beyond our school gates.

Pupils in EYFS:

• one of the areas of learning, Understanding the World, sets out that children should have the opportunity to explore, observe and find out about technology.

Key stage 1 Pupils will be taught to:

• understand what algorithms are
• how they are implemented as programs on digital devices and that programs execute by following precise and unambiguous instructions
• create and debug simple programs
• use logical reasoning to predict the behaviour of simple programs
• use technology purposefully to create, organise, store, manipulate and retrieve digital content
• recognise common uses of information technology beyond school
• use technology safely and respectfully, keeping personal information private; identify where to go for help and support when they have concerns about content or contact on the internet or other online technologies.

Key stage 2 Pupils should be taught to:

• design, write and debug programs that accomplish specific goals, including controlling or simulating physical systems; solve problems by decomposing them into smaller parts
• use sequence, selection, and repetition in programs; work with variables and various forms of input and output
• use logical reasoning to explain how some simple algorithms work and to detect and correct errors in algorithms and programs
• understand computer networks including the internet; how they can provide multiple services, such as the world wide web; and the opportunities they offer for communication and collaboration
• use search technologies effectively, appreciate how results are selected and ranked, and be discerning in evaluating digital content
• select, use and combine a variety of software (including internet services) on a range of digital devices to design and create a range of programs, systems and content that accomplish given goals, including collecting, analysing, evaluating and presenting data and information
• use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly; recognise acceptable/unacceptable behaviour; identify a range of ways to report concerns about content and contact.

At Linden, we achieve this by:

• Following the Teach Computing scheme of work, which focuses on a progression of skills in digital literacy, computer science, information technology and online safety to ensure that children become competent in safely using, as well as understanding, technology
• We supplement Teach Computing with resources from Project Evolve to support Online Safety
• Providing children with opportunities to use a range of software and hardware across the curriculum