Horfield Church Of England Primary School

Computing

Statement of Intent

Our aim is to provide a high-quality computing education which equips children to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world. We intend for children to know more, understand more and remember more about computing so they can become confident users of technology both at primary school and in their futures. We want children to have an awareness of both the advantages that technology creates but also the risks that come with being online We aim to give children the knowledge to be able to safeguard themselves from these risks and also to know who to go for help. In addition to an online safety week in February,  the strand of online safety runs throughout our computing curriculum.

Children are growing up in a rapidly-changing world of computing; computers and technology naturally excite them and our aim is to channel this enthusiasm into learning across the curriculum, whilst helping them to develop the computing skills they are going to need throughout their lives.  

We follow the Teach Computing scheme which is aligned with the National Curriculum. We teach children key knowledge about how computers and computer systems work, how they are designed and programmed and how to debug.  Learners gain an understanding of computational systems of all kinds, whether or not they include computers.

Although computing does not feature as a distinct subject in the latest EYFS curriculum we give children in EYFS to chance to experience a range of technology through our continuous provision. We know that technology is now part of most children's lives from before they start school and feel that it is important that they experience it even if this is not through formal learning objectives.

Through the strands of Programming, Multimedia, Technology in our Lives, Online Safety and Data Handling children will gain key knowledge and skills in the main areas of the computing curriculum. The objectives within each strand support the progression of learning across the key stages, ensuring a solid grounding for future learning.

We see computing not only as a key to future learning, but also as an important element of daily living and so we aim to make every child proficient in its  use. 

Our Computing Curriculum by Strand

Our Computing Curriculum by Year Group