Why is Computing important in our school? 

As technology is always evolving and changing, it is important to us that we equip our children with the fundamental knowledge, understanding and skills to be digitally literate and give them the confidence to be active participants in this ever-changing digital world. 

Our computing curriculum is designed to provide a wealth of learning opportunities and develop transferable skills explicitly within computing lessons as well as across other curriculum subjects which it has deep links with. It focuses on the key areas of the National Curriculum which are digital literacy, information technology and computer science. Our curriculum also teaches the importance of being safe while using technology and interacting online and who to talk to if they are worried about something online. 

How Computing is taught in our school 

In Computing, planning is carefully sequenced into small steps to build upon prior learning and ensure progression. Within our lessons we include retrieval practice to ensure knowledge, vocabulary and key concepts are embedded and retained over time. Lessons provide the opportunity for guided practice and independent working with teacher modelling included throughout. 

• Computer science 

Purple Mash is a platform we use for the children to develop an understanding of coding and algorithms in a child friendly way. The lessons also enable children to become reflective and resilient learners by debugging (finding and fixing) errors in code and creating their own computer programs. 

• Information Technology 

Children are given the opportunity to use a range of information technology to organise, store, manipulate and retrieve digital content. 

• Digital Literacy 

Children will learn how to use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly. They will be able to recognise and respond to acceptable and unacceptable behaviour responsibly while online. They will know who to report concerns to and have the confidence to speak up about things that may concern them online. 

In Computing, we are committed to ensuring that all children, including those with additional needs, have equal access to the full curriculum. To achieve this, we implement a variety of tailored strategies and support structures, designed to meet each child’s unique needs. These include specialised resources, such adapted learning materials and approaches as well as scaffolded support to help students engage fully with the computing curriculum. 

What will the children get from the teaching of computing 

Children will be confident using different forms of technology and will be able to articulate their understanding using subject specific vocabulary. They will be able to think in computational terms and apply the principles of computer science across different subjects. The valuable life skills gained will support children to navigate our changing digital world safely and effectively.

What we teach across the school in this subject