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Computing

Intent 

At Hartsfield School our aim is to provide a high-quality computing education which equips children to use computational thinking and creativity to understand the world. Our children will be taught to use technology responsibly and carefully, being mindful of how their behaviour, words and actions can affect others. The curriculum will teach children key knowledge about how computers and computer systems work, and how they are designed and programmed. By the time they leave Hartsfield, children will have gained key knowledge and skills in the three main areas of the computing curriculum: computer science (programming and understanding how digital systems work), information technology (using computer systems to store, retrieve and send information) and digital literacy (evaluating digital content and using technology safely and respectfully). Our children will be taught Computing in a way that ensures progression of skills, and follows a sequence to build on previous learning. Potential barriers to learning will be addressed through additional support and for children who have limited access to technology at home, there will be Chromebooks available from the school for home use.

Implementation

Our curriculum is guided by the Early Years Framework and the National Curriculum for Computing.  Please see the progression document for the milestones.  At Hartsfield teachers use the ‘Switched On: Computing’ scheme, published by Rising Stars, as a starting point for the planning of their computing lessons. Knowledge and skills are mapped across each topic and year group to ensure systematic progression. We have laptops and iPads available across the school to ensure that all year groups have the opportunity to use a range of devices and programs for many purposes across the wider curriculum, as well as in discrete computing lessons. The implementation of the curriculum also ensures a balanced coverage of computer science, information technology and digital literacy. The children will have experiences of all three strands in each year group, but the subject knowledge imparted becomes increasingly specific and in depth, with more complex skills being taught, thus ensuring that learning is built upon. For example, children in Key Stage 1 learn what algorithms are, which leads them to the design stage of programming in Key Stage 2, where they design, write and debug programs, explaining the thinking behind their algorithms. Continual support for SEND/PPG children is provided through a variety of measures including additional support and resources during lessons and Chromebooks available from the school for home use.