Computing at Whiteheath Junior School.

At Whiteheath Junior School, we aim to develop children's computing skills to enable them to access the modern world. The Computing Curriculum provides opportunities for all pupils to understand and apply the most important principles and concepts of Computer Science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation.

Children are given the necessary skills to break down a problem, predict what will happen and use logic to find a solution through practical experience.

Computing is taught through discreet programming lessons using a variety of software including ‘Scratch’ and ‘BBC Microbit Coding’. At Whiteheath, the children learn about data, algorithms, repetition, iteration and computer networks. Children create and debug more complicated programs with specific goals and understand concepts such as: variables and sequence, selection and repetition in programs. They develop their logical reasoning skills and learn to use websites and other internet services. This enables children to develop an understanding of the principles of Computer Science and promotes and develops their computational thinking. 

Each year, children cover a unit of work dedicated to teaching them how to stay safe online. This includes: sharing personal information, using the internet to communicate, the importance of passwords, and knowing where to turn or who to approach about any issues they may be having online. This is supported by our annual Safer Internet Day assembly and our PSHE 'Keeping Safe' curriculum.