Enrich learning with cross curricular computing
Authentic cross curricular links
Computing is one of the most fundamentally cross curricular subject areas in education. It’s about using technology, logic, creativity and computational thinking to solve problems that cross all disciplines. It requires the systematic breakdown (decomposition) of both the problem and the solution. We need to prepare pupils for how to live in an increasingly digital world by equipping them with the knowledge, understanding and skills to solve as yet unknown problems using tools and technologies that do not yet exist. We can work towards achieving this by using computing as a means of making sense of the world and using what the children learn in computing across the curriculum.
The best primary practice includes blending thorough, discrete, subject teaching with effective cross-curricular work. “…high standards are best secured when essential knowledge and skills are learned both through direct, high-quality subject teaching and also through this content being applied and used in cross-curricular studies.” [Rose, 2009]. Both approaches are needed for effective learning to take place, to enable children to make links between subjects and to set learning in meaningful contexts. Using computing throughout the primary curriculum offers a way to enrich and deepen learning through engaging, interconnected, topics.
Our cross-curricular computing pack is designed to complement our whole school primary computing scheme of work. It provides pupils with an engaging exploration of computing through a rich variety of media and technologies set within other subject areas. It supports teachers with step-by-step cross curricular computing lesson plans and cross curricular computing resources.
We’ve put together some free cross curricular computing resources for embedding computing in other subjects. Visit: www.icompute-uk.com/news/cross-curricular-computing-resources/
Visit www.icompute-uk.com to find out more about our highly acclaimed primary computing schemes of work. iCompute is used by thousands of teachers around the world and features on BBC Bitesize for Primary Computing and the Hour of Code (code.org).
References:
Rose, J (2009) Independent Review of the Primary Curriculum, Nottingham: DCSF (pdf)
