Computing
“Academic Excellence and Intellectual curiosity”
Intent
All children at HNPS have the right to have rich, deep learning experiences that balance all the aspects of computing. We intend for our children to master computing to such an extent that they can go on to have careers within computing later on in life should they wish to, and make use of computing effectively in their everyday lives, without being completely reliant on technology.
Our children are encouraged to use technology responsibly and carefully, being mindful of how their behaviour, words and actions can affect others. Our children also gain experience and skills of a wide range of technology in a way that enhances their learning opportunities, enabling them to use technology across a range of subjects to be creative and solve problems, ensuring they make progress.
At HNPS, the core of computing is Digital literacy, Computer Science and Information technology in which pupils are introduced to a wide range of technology, including laptops, iPads and interactive whiteboards, allowing them to continually practise and improve the skills they learn. This ensures they become digitally literate so that they are able to express themselves and develop their ideas through information and computer technology, and as active participants in a digital world.
Computing is covered in the provision for Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). It is centred around play-based, unplugged (no computer) activities that focus on building children’s listening skills, curiosity and creativity and problem solving. Children are given the opportunity to take photographs with a device; play games on the interactive whiteboard; use Beebots and watch video clips. We allow our children to explore technology in an often child-led way which means that not only will they develop a familiarity with equipment and vocabulary but they will have a strong start in Key Stage 1 Computing and all that it demands.
Implementation
We follow a broad and balanced Computing curriculum that builds on previous learning and provides both support and challenge for learners. Computing is taught throughout the year, so that children achieve depth in their learning. Teachers are given the key knowledge and skills of each topic and consideration has been given to ensure progression across topics throughout each year group across the school. They have pre-planned lessons linked to the medium term plans created by the subject leader. Progression of knowledge and skills has been carefully mapped across the curriculum.
Advice about online safety is given to children and parents through our newsletters. Each year group participates in lessons on online safety and our children understand how to stay safe when using technology. Where appropriate, meaningful links are made between the computing curriculum and the wider curriculum.
We want to ensure that Computing is embedded in our whole school curriculum and that opportunities for enhancing learning by using technology are always taken.
Aspects of Computing are embedded in learning within the provision of SEND learning to ensure that all children have access to a broad and balanced curriculum. Themes are planned throughout the year that allow for Computing skills and knowledge to be embedded and built upon. Children with high levels of need have a broad curriculum offer, linking into National Curriculum themes, but with scaffolded learning which meets their needs, ensuring they are also making good progress from their initial starting points.
We understand that children have missed opportunities of learning because of the COVID outbreak and the resulting distance and blended learning models that were used in the previous school years. Our current teaching model ensures that any missed opportunities are addressed before teaching new concepts and topics. This pre teaching approach ensures that children are able to access the new learning and build upon their knowledge and skills.
Impact
Outcomes in topic books evidence a broad and balanced coverage curriculum and demonstrates the children’s acquisition of identified key knowledge.
Progress in Computing is demonstrated through reviewing and monitoring children’s work to ensure that progression of skills is taking place. Namely through:
- Looking at pupils’ work, especially over time as they gain skills and knowledge
- Observing how they perform in lessons
- Talking to them about what they know
- Tapestry
- Signs of autonomy – children are responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology.
Our Computing curriculum contributes to children’s personal development in creativity, independence, judgement and self-reflection. This would be seen in them being able to talk confidently about their work, and sharing their work with others. Pupils leave HNPS equipped with a range of skills to enable them to succeed in their secondary education and be active participants in the digital world.