Computing

Subject Leader: Nitin Mistry

Our Vision

At Hartwell Primary School, we believe that Computing plays an essential role in preparing children for life in an increasingly digital world.

Technology is a significant part of children's lives, both in and beyond school. Our aim is to ensure that every child develops the knowledge, skills and confidence to use technology creatively, safely, responsibly and effectively.

We want our children to be curious about technology and confident enough to explore, experiment, solve problems and learn from their mistakes. Through Computing, children develop important skills such as logical thinking, creativity, communication, collaboration, resilience and problem-solving.

Technology is used not only within dedicated Computing lessons but also across the wider curriculum to enhance learning. Children have access to a range of technologies, including laptops, iPads, cameras, interactive whiteboards and programmable toys, allowing them to apply their digital skills in meaningful contexts.

As children progress through Hartwell, they are also given opportunities to take on responsibility. In Key Stage 2, pupils can become Digital Leaders, supporting their peers and younger pupils to use technology safely, confidently and effectively.

Intent

Our Computing curriculum is designed to inspire curiosity, creativity and confidence while ensuring that children become responsible and safe participants in the digital world.

We want our children to:

Develop a genuine curiosity and enthusiasm for technology.
Become confident problem-solvers who are willing to experiment, make mistakes and try again.
Understand how computers, digital systems, networks and the internet work.
Develop computational thinking, including logical reasoning, sequencing, pattern recognition and problem-solving.
Learn how to design, create, test and debug computer programs.
Develop the vocabulary needed to talk about Computing accurately and confidently.
Create, manipulate and present digital content using a range of technologies and software.
Understand how technology can be used purposefully across different subjects and in everyday life.
Become responsible digital citizens who understand how to use technology safely, respectfully and ethically.
Develop resilience, independence and collaboration when solving Computing challenges.
Recognise the opportunities technology provides while also understanding the potential risks.
Leave Hartwell with the confidence and skills to embrace future opportunities in education, employment and everyday life.

We want children to understand that Computing is much more than simply using a computer. It is about thinking, creating, solving problems and using technology purposefully.

Implementation

Our Computing curriculum is carefully planned so that children's knowledge and skills develop progressively from EYFS through to Year 6.

Our curriculum is built around three key areas:

Computer Science

Children learn how computers work and develop their understanding of algorithms, programming and computational thinking.

Children begin with simple, practical activities, such as giving instructions and programming programmable toys. As they progress through the school, they develop their understanding of coding, sequences, repetition, selection, variables and debugging.

Children are encouraged to become problem-solvers and understand that making mistakes is an important part of learning. They are taught to test, evaluate and improve their programs.

Information Technology

Children learn how technology can be used to create, organise, store, manipulate and communicate information.

They use a range of software and digital tools to create presentations, documents, images, animations and other digital content. They also learn how to collect, analyse and present data.

Children are encouraged to think carefully about which technology or software is most appropriate for a particular task.

Digital Literacy and Online Safety

Children learn how to use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly.

Online safety is taught explicitly through Computing and PSHE and is reinforced whenever children use technology in school. Children learn how to protect their personal information, communicate appropriately online, recognise potential risks and know what to do if something they encounter online makes them feel worried or uncomfortable.

Our approach to teaching

Computing lessons are practical, creative and hands-on. Children are encouraged to explore, experiment, solve problems and explain their thinking.

Depending on their age and the topic being taught, children may:

Write and test computer programs.
Debug code and fix errors.
Create digital presentations and documents.
Use cameras to capture and edit images.
Collect and analyse data.
Explore how computer networks work.
Create animations and other digital content.
Use search engines and evaluate information.
Program programmable toys.
Work collaboratively to solve Computing challenges.
Discuss how to stay safe and responsible online.

We use a range of high-quality resources, including materials from Teach Computing and Oak Academy, alongside our own curriculum planning.

We also use a Computing vocabulary progression document and knowledge organisers to support children in developing and using subject-specific language.

Computing across the curriculum

Computing does not only happen during Computing lessons.

Children are encouraged to use technology purposefully across the curriculum to enhance their learning. They may use digital tools to research a topic, create a presentation, collect and analyse data, record their learning, create artwork or communicate their ideas.

This helps children understand how Computing skills can be applied in different subjects and in real-world situations.

EYFS

Computing is not a statutory subject within the Early Years Foundation Stage. However, we recognise the importance of developing the foundations of computational thinking from an early age.

Our EYFS provision includes play-based, practical and age-appropriate experiences that develop skills such as sequencing, following instructions, recognising patterns, solving problems and understanding cause and effect.

Much of this learning follows an 'unplugged' approach, where children develop computational thinking without necessarily using a computer. Children also have opportunities to use age-appropriate technology, including programmable toys, interactive whiteboards and educational games and applications.

These experiences provide children with a strong foundation for their Computing learning as they move into Key Stage 1.

Impact

We want every child to leave Hartwell Primary School as a confident, creative and responsible digital citizen.

We assess the impact of our Computing curriculum in a variety of ways, including:

Observing children applying their Computing knowledge and skills during lessons.
Assessing children's ability to work independently and collaboratively.
Providing regular feedback to help children improve their Computing skills.
Looking at children's digital projects, programs, presentations and other digital work.
Listening to pupils' views about their Computing learning.
Monitoring the progression of Computing knowledge, skills and vocabulary across the school.
Assessing children's understanding of online safety and responsible technology use.
Looking at how effectively children apply their Computing skills across the wider curriculum.

By the time children leave Hartwell, we want them to:

Understand how digital systems, programming, networks and the internet work.
Create and communicate using a range of digital technologies.
Solve problems using computational thinking and logical reasoning.
Use appropriate Computing vocabulary to explain their ideas and understanding.
Work independently and collaboratively when tackling Computing challenges.
Think critically about the technology and information they encounter.
Use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly.
Recognise online risks and know how and where to seek help.
Apply their Computing skills across the curriculum and in everyday life.
Be curious and confident about exploring new and emerging technologies.

Our ultimate aim is that children leave Hartwell with the skills, knowledge, confidence and resilience to make the most of the opportunities that technology offers, both now and in their future.

Online Safety

At Hartwell, we believe that helping children stay safe online is everyone's responsibility.

Online safety is embedded throughout our Computing curriculum and reinforced through PSHE and wider school life. We help children understand how to:

Keep personal information private.
Make sensible and responsible choices online.
Communicate respectfully with others.
Recognise inappropriate or harmful content.
Understand that not everything online is reliable or true.
Respond appropriately to online bullying or unkind behaviour.
Report anything that makes them feel worried, uncomfortable or unsafe.
Identify trusted adults who can help them.

Our aim is not to discourage children from using technology, but to give them the knowledge, confidence and resilience to use it positively and safely.

Digital Leaders

Children in Key Stage 2 have the opportunity to become Digital Leaders.

Digital Leaders develop their own confidence and leadership skills while supporting other children to use technology safely and effectively. They may help younger pupils, support their peers and promote positive and responsible use of technology across the school.

This gives our pupils an opportunity to put their Computing knowledge into practice while developing valuable skills in communication, teamwork, responsibility and leadership.

Supporting Your Child at Home

Parents and carers play an important role in helping children develop positive and safe digital habits.

Talking regularly with your child about what they are doing online can help them feel confident about coming to you if something worries them. Conversations about privacy, kindness, screen time, online friendships and appropriate content can make a real difference.

We have provided our Parenting in a Digital World guide to support families with practical advice about helping children use technology and the internet safely and positively.

Our Computing Curriculum

Our Computing curriculum is carefully sequenced to ensure that knowledge and skills build progressively from EYFS to Year 6.

Our Computing Subject Leader works closely with staff to support the teaching and learning of Computing across the school, monitor progression and ensure that children receive consistent opportunities to develop their digital skills.

We regularly gather pupil voice to understand children's experiences, confidence and attitudes towards Computing and use this to help us develop our curriculum.

Through our Computing curriculum, we aim to ensure that every child at Hartwell is prepared to be a confident, capable and responsible digital citizen, ready to embrace the opportunities of an ever-changing technological world.

The Computing Curriculum at Hartwell

Our Computing curriculum is designed to equip children with the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to thrive in an increasingly digital world. It encompasses three key strands: Computer Science, Information Technology and Digital Literacy.

Computer Science helps children develop an understanding of how computers and networks work, while providing opportunities to learn the principles of programming. From using simple programmable toys in the Early Years, children progressively develop their coding skills, moving towards creating programs and exploring more complex coding and algorithms by Year 6.

Information Technology focuses on how computers and digital technologies can be used purposefully to collect, create, organise and present information in a variety of ways. Children also develop their ability to use search technologies effectively and critically.

Digital Literacy enables children to use technology safely, responsibly and respectfully. They learn about the opportunities technology provides for communication, collaboration and creativity, as well as how to recognise and manage potential risks in the digital world.

Computing is not confined to dedicated Computing lessons. Digital skills and knowledge are embedded across the curriculum, giving children opportunities to apply what they have learned in meaningful contexts and use technology to enhance their learning across a wide range of subjects and topics.