As our children progress through our Key Stage 2 Computing topics, they will develop key skills that are directly relevant to computing and will build on skills developed in Key Stage 1. These will be at different levels depending on the child’s age and ability and on the topic being studied.

We believe a high-quality computing education equips pupils to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world. Computing has deep links with mathematics, science, and design and technology, and provides insights into both natural and artificial systems. The core of computing is 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. Building on this knowledge and understanding, pupils are equipped to use Information Technology to create programs, systems and a range of content. Computing also ensures that pupils become digitally literate – able to use and express themselves and develop their ideas through Information and Communication Technology – at a level suitable for the future workplace and as active participants in a digital world.

The key Computing skills are as follows:

• To understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of Computer Science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation;
• To analyse problems in computational terms, and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems;
• To evaluate and apply Information Technology, including new or unfamiliar technologies analytically to solve problems;
• To be responsible, competent, confident and creative users of Information and Communication Technology.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases:

algorithms, digital devices, programs, instructions, debug, logical reasoning, predict, technology, create, organise, store, manipulate, retrieve, digital content, information technology, personal information, Internet, design, control, simulate, physical systems, sequence, selection, repetition variables, input and output, World Wide Web, communication, collaboration, software, hardware, safety, respectful, responsibly, acceptable/unacceptable behaviour.

There will also be topic-specific vocabulary that will arise during each block of lessons.

Computing in Key Stage 2 is organised on a rolling two-year programme. For further details of each topic, please see our Curriculum Timetable below.

Assessment

Monitoring of declarative knowledge (knowing that) and procedural knowledge (knowing how) by how it is underpinned by a skilful use of technology.