Computing

Computing

This should be read in conjunction with the CRC and Respectful Relationships Policy.

CRC Article 28: All children have the right to a quality education.

All policy and practice in Timothy Hackworth Primary School respects children’s dignity.

Intent

All pupils at Timothy Hackworth Primary School have the right to rich, deep learning experiences that incorporate all aspects of Computing. With technology playing such a significant role in society today, we believe that ‘Computational Thinking’ is a skill that children must be taught, at a level suitable for the future workplace, so that they are able to participate effectively and safely in this digital world.

Pupils will:

• Understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of Computer Science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation;
• Analyse problems in computational terms, and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems;
• Evaluate and apply information technology, including new or unfamiliar technologies, analytically to solve problems;
• Be responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology.

Our Computing curriculum is centred on children knowing how to access and use technology around them, but, fundamentally, how to keep safe both online and off-line, and be respectful at all times. This will start with our youngest children and continue throughout their time at Timothy Hackworth Primary School. Children have the right to be both physically and mentally healthy.

We strive to ensure that our pupils have the opportunity to demonstrate resilience, resourcefulness, reflectiveness and reciprocity and have the ambition to be successful learners.

Implementation

Our Computing curriculum allows children to build up a broad and balanced knowledge base through experiencing computing in two phases. First, is through the teaching of discrete computing skills where children learn how to investigate and program devices, use technology to communicate information in the form of words and graphics, use the Internet safely and effectively, handle data, store, and sort and retrieve information. Secondly, the children are provided with opportunities to use computing in other subject areas. They are encouraged to think about how computing can support their learning across the curriculum by using and applying the skills which they have learnt.

Our school ensures consistency and progression through the provision of a well-sequenced curriculum.  A variety of resources are used, including apps and software, for example, Microsoft programs, Scratch, Alex, Bee-Bots and Kodu. We ensure that children develop depth in their knowledge and skills throughout each computing unit.

We have a variety of hardware resources to support learning, both in Computing lessons and across the curriculum. The children have access to a range of computing devices to support their learning such as iPads, laptops, Bee-Bots, Pro-bots and micro:bits. Within our school, there is an interactive whiteboard in each classroom and wireless internet connection across the entire school. As a result of investing in a significant amount of devices, children’s learning in the Computing curriculum is effectively provided for. It has enabled the provision of a wide range of opportunities to enhance the development of skills, and access to a wealth of information across the primary curriculum.

The Computing Curriculum Overview has been developed with planned units that are carefully sequenced to ensure progression. They provide exciting, realistic, engaging and creative learning experiences, which promote life skills.

Evidence of learning is stored electronically and as part of our Black Books.

Early Years Foundation Stage

Our children are provided with a broad, play-based experience of Computing in a range of contexts, including outdoor play. Computing is not just about computers. Early years learning environments feature Computing scenarios based on experience in the real world, for example, through role-play. Children gain confidence, control and language skills through opportunities to explore, using non-computer based resources such as metal detectors and Bee-Bots. Recording devices support children to develop their communication skills.

KS1 and KS2

The topics studied in Computing are planned to build upon prior learning.  Children develop their skills and knowledge in each unit.  Progression is built into the sequence of learning so that the children are increasingly challenged as they move up through the school.

Computing is taught in Key Stages 1 and 2 through high quality Computing lessons that engage and inspire children in three areas: Computer Science, Information Technology and Digital Literacy.

Computer Science

Computer Science is the foundation.  It is the core of Computing where our pupils are taught how digital systems work, and how to use this knowledge to program.  They learn the principles of computation and information.

Pupils are taught the principles of:

• How computer systems work;
• Finding and fixing mistakes in a program (de-bugging);
• Using logical thinking to solve problems;
• Sequencing instructions (algorithms) to make something happen (programming).

Information Technology

Information Technology is the application.  Children use their Computer Science knowledge to create programs, systems and content. 

Pupils have the knowledge to:

• Create programs;
• Create content;
• Store and manipulate content;
• Retrieve digital content (searching).

Digital Literacy

Digital Literacy are the implications.  Children become digitally literate to use and develop their ideas through Information Technology.  This will enable them to become active members of the future workforce. 

Pupils will become digitally literate so that they are:

• Prepared for the future workplace;
• Responsible and safe users;
• Competent, confident and evaluative.

As part of our Computing Curriculum Overview, each half term has a distinct focus on either Computer Science or Information Technology.  Digital Literacy is taught continually throughout the term.

There are further opportunities for children to develop their Digital Literacy skills throughout the year, for example, during assemblies, Family Groups and special days, for example, Safer Internet Day, and through the ‘Digital Leaders’ group.

Cross-curricular links are appropriately made in other subjects, where Computing skills are applied.

Children are taught how to use technology safely by following the correct health and safety procedures.

Impact

Knowing more, remembering more and being able to do more are indicators of progress. Children should be prepared for their next stage of learning.

Impact is measured by the child’s progress against their expected outcomes and their ability to meet the key aims of the National Curriculum for Computing.

Pupils will be able to:

• Design, write and de-bug programmes that accomplish specific goals, including controlling or simulating physical systems; solve problems by decomposing them into smaller parts;
• Use sequence, selection and repetition in programs; work with variables and various forms of input and output;
• Use logical reasoning to explain how some simple algorithms work and to detect and correct errors in algorithms and programs;
• Understand computer networks, including the internet; how they can provide multiple services, such as worldwide web; and the opportunities they offer for communication and collaboration;
• Use search technologies effectively, appreciate how results are selected and ranked, and be discerning in evaluating digital content;
• Select, use and combine a variety of software (including internet services), on a range of digital devices to design and create a range of programs, systems and content that accomplish given goals including collecting, analysing, evaluating and presenting data and information;
• Use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly; recognise acceptable and unacceptable behaviour; identify a range of ways to report concerns about content and contact;
• Enjoy using technology to develop their learning and ideas;
• Apply British Values and our school Rights Respecting ethos to ensure they use technology safely and respectfully at all times;
• Become more independent and use key life skills such as problem-solving, logical thinking and self-evaluation.

After the implementation of this robust Computing curriculum, children at Timothy Hackworth Primary School will have developed the knowledge, skills and understanding to help them access and use a range of technology in a safe and creative way.

Children’s skills will have progressed to enable them to not only have met the requirements of the National Curriculum but to also enjoy using technology to develop their own ideas.  From this, they will become more independent and key life skills such as problem-solving, logical thinking and self-evaluation will become second nature.

Online Safety Information for Parents

Digital Footprint:

Whenever you interact online you leave a trail behind you. This is called a digital footprint and it refers to the way there are records of a lot of what you do online: from the pictures you post, like and share, to the things you search for. Some platforms actually sell this information to companies that then make sure the ads you see are just right for you, to make sure you’re interested and click on them.

The problem is that these ads could be fake or even dangerous because they might ask for personal information, like your family name, address or postcode. Remember to never share these online. Here is a short video to help you remember these rules:

https://www.bbc.com/ownit/its-personal/team-ownit-kathryn

Roblox:

How can I help my child stay safe while playing Roblox? This is the question that a lot of parents have when it comes to the popular platform. To help ease those fears, tech journalist and games expert Andy Robertson sheds light on the game and how it can be played safely. The following link has a video which may help:

What is Roblox? (A guide for parents to keep kids safe)

Digiducks:

As more and more children are accessing the online world from a very young age, it is essential that we talk to our children about staying safe online. Digiduck’s stories are a great place to start! Here is a collection of stories created to help parents educate children aged 3–7 about online safety, with accompanying activities too!

Click here to read

Online Safety Newsletters

2024-2025