Computing

Computing at Newton Hill

At Newton Hill Community School our computing curriculum 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 computing 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.

 

Our Computing Vision:

At Newton Hill Community School we believe computing is an integral part of today’s modern lifestyle and it is our aim to deliver a diverse exploration of this subject matter.  As future technologies emerge it is necessary to equip the young people of our school with skills and knowledge which are flexible enough to cater for any 21st century device or software with secure independence.  Through enterprising and inspirational activities we strive to provide opportunities for children to work creatively, collaboratively and with responsibility.  We aim to enthuse and equip children with the skills, strategies and knowledge that will enable them to reap the benefits of the online world, whilst being able to minimise risk to themselves or others.

 

The key computing skills are taught through discrete lessons but we also provide opportunities for these skills to be applied within the wider curriculum where possible and appropriate. Each unit of work follows a sequence of carefully planned lessons which build on prior knowledge and skills. During lessons, children are exposed to high quality teaching and the necessary knowledge and vocabulary required to help them learn and develop their work through modelling and guided learning, building up to independent working.

At Newton Hill we have a big focus on programming (Coding). We have chosen to do this because it brings knowledge to life for children. It requires children to practically apply their computer knowledge to a range of situations, problem-solving and persevering to refine and correct their work. It is a real life skill which opens children’s eyes to one of a number of future careers in computing and IT.