Computing
Intent
At Holywell Green Primary School, we believe that Computing is an essential part of the curriculum which prepares children to participate confidently, safely and successfully in an increasingly digital world. We want our pupils to become competent, creative and responsible users of technology, whilst also developing an understanding of how digital systems and computer science work.
We believe that Computing provides children with valuable opportunities to develop problem-solving, logical thinking, creativity, communication and resilience. Through Computing, children learn not only how to use technology, but also how to understand it, question it and use it purposefully.
Our Computing curriculum is based on the Purple Mash Computing Scheme of Work, which provides a structured progression of knowledge and skills across the three key areas of Computer Science, Information Technology and Digital Literacy. The curriculum has been adapted to meet the needs of our pupils and our mixed-age class structure.
We aim for children to develop secure knowledge and understanding of how computers and digital systems work, how information can be represented and manipulated, and how technology can be used to create, communicate and solve problems.
Computing also provides an important context for developing children's understanding of online safety and digital citizenship. Children are taught how to use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly, how to recognise potential risks and how to respond appropriately when they encounter something that concerns them.
We believe that Computing should enable children to become independent and critical users of technology, rather than simply consumers of digital content. Children are encouraged to create, investigate, programme, evaluate and solve problems using a range of digital tools.
It is our intention that all children develop the knowledge and skills required by the National Curriculum for Computing, whilst developing the confidence and independence necessary to continue their digital learning at secondary school and beyond.
Implementation
Children develop their Computing knowledge and skills progressively throughout their time at school. Our curriculum is based on the Purple Mash Computing Scheme of Work, which provides a clear progression of learning and a range of resources to support the teaching of Computer Science, Information Technology and Digital Literacy.
Computing is taught through regular lessons and is supported by opportunities to use digital technology across the wider curriculum. Children are given opportunities to apply their Computing knowledge in meaningful contexts, rather than learning individual skills in isolation.
Our Computing curriculum is organised around the following three strands:
Computer Science
Children develop an understanding of how computers work and how they can be programmed to solve problems. They learn about:
- algorithms and sequences;
- programming and coding;
- logical reasoning;
- repetition;
- selection;
- variables;
- debugging and evaluating programs;
- how networks and digital systems work.
Purple Mash tools such as 2Code provide children with practical opportunities to develop programming skills and apply computational thinking.
Information Technology
Children learn how technology can be used to create, organise, manipulate, store and communicate information. They develop skills in:
- word processing;
- digital art and graphics;
- animation;
- presentations;
- databases;
- spreadsheets;
- audio and video;
- digital publishing;
- creating and editing digital content.
Children are encouraged to select appropriate digital tools for a particular purpose and to evaluate and improve the digital products they create.
Digital Literacy
Children develop the knowledge and understanding required to use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly. Online safety is revisited regularly and is embedded throughout the Computing curriculum.
Children learn about:
- personal information and privacy;
- passwords and security;
- online communication;
- digital footprints;
- responsible use of technology;
- cyberbullying;
- reliability of online information;
- online relationships;
- reporting concerns;
- managing their digital identity.
Purple Mash online safety resources are used alongside wider school teaching and our safeguarding provision.
Through the implementation of the Purple Mash Computing Scheme, we aim to ensure that children leave Holywell Green Primary School as confident, capable and responsible digital citizens, with a secure foundation in Computer Science, Information Technology and Digital Literacy.