NATIONAL CURRICULUM – COMPUTING

Purpose of study
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.

Aims
The national curriculum for computing aims to ensure that all pupils:
 can understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer
science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation
 can analyse problems in computational terms, and have repeated practical experience
of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems
 can evaluate and apply information technology, including new or unfamiliar
technologies, analytically to solve problems
 are responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and
communication technology.

Attainment targets
By the end of each key stage, pupils are expected to know, apply and understand the
matters, skills and processes specified in the relevant programme of study.

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.

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.