Computing
At Holy Family, we believe that Computing should equip children with the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to use technology safely, responsibly and creatively. Through our Computing curriculum, children develop computational thinking, problem-solving skills, resilience, collaboration and creativity. We aim to prepare pupils to become confident, responsible and independent users of technology in an ever-changing digital world.
Curriculum
Our Computing curriculum prepares children for an increasingly digital world. We want pupils to become confident, independent and responsible users of technology, who can apply their skills across the wider curriculum and in real-life situations.
We follow the National Curriculum for Computing and teach the three key strands:
- Computer Science
- Information Technology
- Digital Literacy
To support the delivery of Computing, we use the Kapow Primary Computing scheme of work. Kapow provides a carefully sequenced and progressive curriculum from EYFS to Year 6. The scheme is designed as a spiral curriculum, meaning children regularly revisit key concepts and build on previous learning with increasing depth and complexity.
Through Kapow, children develop their knowledge and skills across five key areas:
- Computing systems and networks
- Programming
- Creating media
- Data handling
- Online safety
Online safety is embedded throughout our curriculum so that children learn how to use technology responsibly, understand how to keep themselves safe online and become positive digital citizens.
Where appropriate, Computing lessons are linked to our wider curriculum, giving children meaningful opportunities to apply their learning in creative and purposeful ways.
Our Intent
At Holy Family, we aim to provide a high-quality Computing education that equips children to understand and change the world through technology. We want all pupils to:
- become confident, safe and responsible users of technology
- develop creativity, resilience and problem-solving skills
- understand how digital systems work
- communicate and express ideas using technology
- become digitally literate and prepared for the future
We recognise that technology plays an important role in everyday life and future careers. Our curriculum ensures children develop the skills needed to thrive in an ever-changing digital world.
How We Teach Computing
Computing is taught through the Kapow Primary scheme, which provides clear progression and coverage of the National Curriculum objectives from EYFS to Year 6.
Lessons are carefully sequenced so that children build upon prior knowledge and revisit key skills throughout their learning journey. Children are encouraged to:
- explore and investigate
- work collaboratively
- solve problems
- debug and improve their work
- develop independence and resilience
Children have opportunities to use a range of technology and software, including laptops, iPads and digital media tools, to support learning across the curriculum.
Computing lessons may include:
- coding and programming
- animation and video creation
- data handling and spreadsheets
- digital art and presentations
- research and communication skills
- online safety activities
Online Safety
Keeping children safe online is a key part of our Computing curriculum and wider safeguarding provision.
Children are taught how to:
- stay safe online
- protect personal information
- communicate respectfully
- recognise trusted and untrusted content
- report concerns appropriately
- understand their digital footprint
Online safety is taught through dedicated lessons, as well as being embedded across the wider curriculum and the everyday use of technology in school.
We also work closely with parents and carers to support children in using technology safely at home.
Online safety is an important part of both our Computing and HRHE curriculum. We also teach Pol-Ed units during our enrichment weeks to further support and enhance pupils’ understanding of online safety.
Children are increasingly using the internet from a younger age. Whilst this brings a range of exciting learning opportunities, we recognise the importance of working proactively with pupils and families to ensure children learn how to use technology safely, responsibly and sensibly.
Online safety learning is embedded throughout the curriculum, alongside regular online safety focuses and updates for both pupils and parents/carers. Please see the ‘E-Safety Section’ of our school website for further information.
You can also find out more about our online safety curriculum in our Online Safety Policy.
Impact
By the time children leave Holy Family, they will:
- be confident and responsible users of technology
- understand how to stay safe online
- use computational thinking and problem-solving skills effectively
- communicate creatively using digital media
- understand how technology can support learning and everyday life
- be prepared for the next stage of education and the modern world
Children will leave primary school with a secure foundation in Computing and the confidence to apply their knowledge independently.
Inclusion in Computing
We believe that Computing should be accessible to all learners. Lessons are designed to support and challenge children of all abilities through:
- practical and visual learning opportunities
- collaborative tasks
- scaffolded support where needed
- opportunities for creativity and independence
- adaptive approaches to ensure all pupils can succeed
Computing Across the Curriculum
Technology is used across the curriculum to enhance learning and develop digital skills in meaningful contexts. Children may use technology to:
- create presentations and digital books
- produce videos and animations
- research information
- record and edit audio
- present data
- collaborate with others
This helps children understand how technology can be used purposefully in different areas of learning.
Further Information
For further details about what your child will be learning in Computing, please refer to the year group Curriculum Maps.