Key Content in Computing Teaching - A Practical Guide to Teaching Computing and ICT in the Secondary School - page 91

Introduction to Part 2
Key Content in Computing Teaching
This section provides a variety of ideas for enhancing your teaching of Computing,
and presents the Computing curriculum thematically, as an alternative to the
structure of the National Curriculum in England and the examination board
syllabuses. It covers the same scope and depth of Computing knowledge, skills and
understanding, but incorporates some of the current thinking about the curriculum,
including the key areas of Computational Thinking and creativity, which will
influence future Schemes of Work in schools.
Chapter 5 examines the theme of Computational Thinking; a theme that has
been much neglected in England since the advent of the National Curriculum, but
which now underpins the new subject of Computing. It discusses what Computation
Thinking is, and why it is important in schools and in the real world. It looks at the
key concepts of decomposition, pattern recognition, pattern generalisation and
abstraction, and provides strategies to help pupils understand these.
Chapter 6 examines the theme of Simulation, which is another underdeveloped
theme that is now an important part of the Computing curriculum in England. It
considers areas often thought of as difficult to learn and teach, including control,
modelling and programming, and provides ideas and strategies that will allow the
teacher to make these accessible to pupils.
Chapter 7 reminds us that Computing includes ICT and Digital Literacy, and
looks at key concepts across the main themes of these areas of the curriculum. It
specifically highlights those ideas and concepts pupils find difficult, and gives
guidance on how the teacher can help eliminate or reduce the misconceptions that
frequently occur.
Chapter 8 is linked to the others in this section, but has an independent theme
of Computing and Society. In all our teaching of Computing we should present
pupils with the reasons why and how Computing is used in the real world. We
must also get them to consider the impacts of Computing on individuals and
groups, both nationally and internationally. This chapter poses important questions
for discussion with your pupils.