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KS2 computing curriculum

Curriculum aims:

• can analyse problems in computational terms, and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems
• are responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology

Students 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

Read the full KS2 computing curriculum

KS2 science curriculum

Humans and other animals (year 6 program of study)

Students should be taught to:

• recognise the impact of diet, exercise, drugs and lifestyle on the way their bodies function.

Read the full KS2 science curriculum

KS2 DT curriculum

Students should be taught to:

• apply their understanding of computing to program, monitor and control their products

Read the full KS2 DT curriculum

Technologies

• I can extend and enhance my knowledge of digital technologies to collect, analyse ideas, relevant information and organise these in an appropriate way (TCH 2-01a)
• I understand the operation of a process and its outcome. I can structure related items of information (TCH 2-13a)
• I can explain core programming language concepts in appropriate technical language (TCH 2-14a)
• I can create, develop and evaluate computing solutions in response to a design challenge (TCH 2-15a)

Read the full Curriculum for Excellence: technologies

Sciences

• By researching, I can describe the position and function of the skeleton and major organs of the human body and discuss what I need to do to keep them healthy (SCN 1-12a)

Read the full Curriculum for Excellence: sciences

Using ICT across the curriculum

Pupils should be taught to:

• explore - investigate, make predictions and solve problems through interaction with digital tools
• evaluate - talk about, review and make improvements to work, reflecting on the process and outcome

KS1 - suggested curriculum ideas for the world around us

• design and make simple models
• the variety of living things in the world and how we can take care of them

KS2 - suggested curriculum ideas for the world around us

• the effect of adding components to circuits

Read the full Northern Ireland curriculum - primary

KS1 & 2 - requirements for using ICT

• explore - investigate, make predictions and solve problems through interaction with digital tools

Read the full KS1 & 2 - requirements for using ICT

Primary using ICT - desirable features - computational thinking and coding

Level 4

Pupils should:

• create a more sophisticated coding project using a broad range of commands; and/or
• solve a given problem using commands in a programming environment.

Programmable devices (such as Parrot Drone, micro:bit or Sphere)

• look at and talk about examples of coding projects, including the use of motion, looks, lights or sounds, sensors, control and events such as ‘if...then’ and ‘loop until’ (or equivalent) that make the code more efficient;
• recognise that these projects are composed of different components and break the task into smaller manageable tasks (decomposition);
• in small groups, plan and storyboard their own coding project, working out what different parts of the program must do, using logical reasoning to discuss and compare the commands that are required for their algorithm;
• use a range of commands to create a project including triggering commands such as ‘if...then’ and ‘loop until’ to facilitate a more efficient method of interaction;
• test and debug at regular intervals and collaborate with others to solve problems as they arise;

Finally

• share their work (possibly using digital tools), respond to feedback and comment on others’ work; and
• organise files and export work in an appropriate format so that others may view it.

Read all Primary using ICT desirable features

Science and technology

Progression step 2 - design thinking and engineering offer technical and creative ways to meet society’s needs and wants:

• I can safely use a range of tools, materials and equipment to construct for a variety of reasons

Progression step 2 - computation is the foundation for our digital world:

• I can safely use a range of tools, materials and equipment to construct for a variety of reasons
• I can use computational thinking techniques, through unplugged or offline activities
• I can create simple algorithms and am beginning to explain errors
• I can follow algorithms to determine their purpose and predict outcomes
• I can follow instructions to build and control a physical device

Progression step 3 - computation is the foundation for our digital world:

• I can use conditional statements to add control and decision-making to algorithms
• I can identify repeating patterns and use loops to make my algorithms more concise
• I can explain and debug algorithms
• I can use sensors and actuators in systems that gather and process data about the systems’ environment
• I can effectively store and manipulate data to produce and give a visual form to useful information

Read the full science and technology curriculum

Digital competence framework

Progression step 1 - data and computational thinking - problem-solving and modelling:

• I can recognise and follow instructions in the appropriate order to perform a task.
• I can organise, select and use simple language to give instructions to others.
• I can control devices giving instructions.

Progression step 2 - data and computational thinking - problem-solving and modelling:

• I can create and record verbal, written and symbolic instructions to test ideas, e.g. the order of waking up through a diagram or flowchart.
• I can change instructions to achieve a different outcome.

Progression step 3 - data and computational thinking - problem-solving and modelling:

• I can understand the importance of the order of statements within algorithms.

Progression step 1 - producing - evaluating and improving digital content:

• I can comment on work in relation to a single success criterion.

Progression step 2 - producing - evaluating and improving digital content:

• I can give an opinion about my own work and suggest improvements based on the success criteria.

Read the digital competence framework

CS Fundamentals

Course F

Concepts included:

• variables
• algorithms
• programming
• nested conditionals
• product development

Read the full CS Fundamentals curriculum.

Grades 3-5

• 1B-CS-01 - Describe how internal and external parts of computing devices function to form a system.
• 1B-CS-02 - Model how computer hardware and software work together as a system to accomplish tasks
• 1B-CS-03 - Determine potential solutions to solve simple hardware and software problems using common troubleshooting strategies.
• 1B-AP-08 - Compare and refine multiple algorithms for the same task and determine which is the most appropriate
• 1B-AP-09 - Create programs that use variables to store and modify data.
• 1B-AP-10 - Create programs that include sequences, events, loops, and conditionals.
• 1B-AP-11 - Decompose (break down) problems into smaller, manageable subproblems to facilitate the program development process.
• 1B-AP-12 - Modify, remix, or incorporate portions of an existing program into one's own work, to develop something new or add more advanced features.
• 1B-AP-15 - Test and debug (identify and fix errors) a program or algorithm to ensure it runs as intended.
• 1B-AP-17 - Describe choices made during program development using code comments, presentations, and demonstrations.

Read the CSTA Standards in full.