Computing in the National Curriculum
When the National Curriculum was revised and updated in 2013, the 'ICT' programmes of study were replaced with the 'Computing' programmes of study, with the change of name reflecting the shift in emphasis for the programme. Prior to the change, there was more of an emphasis on operating systems, such as Microsoft Word and Excel, whereas now there is more focus on computer science and the skills that learners need to understand how the computers actually work in an ever-changing and advancing technological world, including becoming digitally literate.
The new National Curriculum for Computing covers:
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Computational Thinking
Further Reading |
The subject of Computing relies on computational thinking. Computational thinking is the process by which people 'employ the processes and tools of computing to solve problems.' (Turvey et al., 2016). The idea of computational tools and processes seems like something quite complex but it is actually quite simple, it involves using logical thought processes to solve problems, which is something that occurs naturally whenever you think about a problem and plan a solution (e.g. thinking about a journey before driving to a destination, changing a light-bulb, etc.).
In terms of Computing in the classroom, learners must be able to use the terms 'algorithms, variables, events, and loops' in order to describe their coding activities to demonstrate their computational thinking. To successfully teach computational thinking with these terms, it is useful to introduce the terms in meaningful and interesting concepts, such as the idea of variables being introduced by creating a game where the score must be kept. Programming tools such as Scratch, Kodu and Flowol can be useful in allowing learners to explore the processes, as well as reflecting and refining their ideas to develop their computational thinking. |
Cross-Curricular
The subject of Computing can be linked to a number of subject across the curriculum in order to develop computational skills. Below are a few ways to incorporate computing into other subjects:
- Science - The idea of electrical circuits as an introduction and developed further to see circuits within computers
- Geography - Following instructions (algorithms) to get to a desired destination
- Design and Technology - Creating a physical interface to be used alongside a programming tool (e.g. a control pad to be used with Scratch)
- Mathematics - Using decomposition (a computational thinking skill) to break down a large problem into smaller, more achievable problems
- English - Creating instructions (chronological texts) to explain a system (e.g. how to make breakfast)
References
BBC (2015) BBC Bitesize - KS2 Computing, Available at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/subjects/zvnrq6f (Accessed: 27th May 2016).
Department for Education (2013) Computing programmes of study: key stages 1 and 2, Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/239033/PRIMARY_national_curriculum_-_Computing.pdf (Accessed: 27th May 2015).
Turvey, K., Potter, J., Burton, J. (2016) Primary Computing and Digital Technologies; Knowledge understanding and practice, London: Sage
Department for Education (2013) Computing programmes of study: key stages 1 and 2, Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/239033/PRIMARY_national_curriculum_-_Computing.pdf (Accessed: 27th May 2015).
Turvey, K., Potter, J., Burton, J. (2016) Primary Computing and Digital Technologies; Knowledge understanding and practice, London: Sage