Computing at KS1 is paramount to ensure pupils from a young age are exposed to, have skills within and understand Computer Science, Digital Literacy and Information Technology.
Below is the subject content for Computing at KS1 taken from the National Curriculum (2013):
Subject content
Key stage 1
Pupils should 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.
This doesn’t necessarily mean pupils sitting in front of screens everyday practicing coding or programming but can be utilised within cross curricular lessons to help develop young computational thinkers.
There will undoubtedly be elements of children learning about the infinite world of computing hands on by using programs designed for children such as Bee-Bots, Scratch Jnr, Daisy the Dinosaur and the basics of Microsoft Office. However, their computing lessons can be ‘unplugged’ and algorithms can be taught in PE and Geography, simple computing skills can be utilised within English and Topic lessons and furthermore provision in which the children have access to technology and digital content can enhance their skills as well.
There are endless possibilities to incorporate computing, aspects of computing and computational thinking into the daily routine of the classroom and I am excited to try to do so as much as possible during my KS1 FPP placement.
My PGCE Learning Adventure 