Intent

In an ever-changing world, where technology is becoming a bigger part of everyday lives, we acknowledge that it is increasingly important for children to develop their confidence with technology.  We believe that it is fundamental that they leave primary school with the skills to tackle different challenges using technology whilst being responsible and safe when online.

Our aims at Harlyn are:

• To have an engaging curriculum that promotes an enthusiasm for computing.
• To ensure we follow the National Curriculum and provide progression across Year groups.
• To provide space in which children can explore technology and take risks in a safe and secure environment.
• To encourage pupils to develop a responsible and respectful attitude towards technology, where they understand that technology has many benefits but can also be harmful.
• To consider the issues relating to inclusion and to allow for differentiation with pupils that need additional help or support to access learning.

Implementation

Children have the right to an education that develops their talents, abilities and personalities to the full; therefore, at Harlyn, we want our computing curriculum to enable children to have a wide range of experiences involving technology.

The computing curriculum can be categorised into three different areas: Computer science, Information technology and Digital Literacy. Within these we:

• understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation (Computer science)
• analyse problems in computational terms, and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems (Computer science)
• evaluate and apply information technology, including new or unfamiliar technologies, analytically to solve problems (Information technology)
• are responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology. (Digital literacy).

E-safety is paramount to our curriculum.  We aim to give children the skills they need to be safe online whilst enabling them to explore the connected world.  Online safety and responsible use of technology is taught through computing lessons, assemblies, the PSHE curriculum and events such as E-safety day. 

Impact:

We aim for the children to enjoy our curriculum that is delivered. At Harlyn, we feel that is important to ask why as well as how in the hope that we develop reflective learners that review the impact of computing on their learning, development and well-being.

As teachers, we will assess the impact our curriculum has on children through  their work, observations and comments.

We expect the impact of our teaching to be that children meet age related expectations. These can be seen in the progression document below.