Computer Science

In Northern Ireland, computing is delivered through Using ICT, one of the Cross-Curricular Skills assessed across the whole curriculum rather than as a standalone subject. From P3 pupils are expected to work with more independence.

Pupils learn that an algorithm is a precise ordered set of instructions, and build simple programs using floor robots and block-based tools such as Scratch, including sequences and repeats. Debugging — finding the step that's wrong — is taught explicitly.

Alongside programming, pupils explore, express and exchange ideas digitally: creating documents, presentations and simple media, saving and organising their own work, and learning the basics of staying safe online.