Computing

At Harris Primary Orpington our computing curriculum has been developed to support children to become proficient users of technology so that they develop the knowledge and skills to thrive in the ever-changing technological world. At Harris Primary Academy Orpington, the teaching of computing is vital in developing active participants in a digital world. It is our intention to enable children to find, explore, analyse, exchange and present information.

We also focus on developing the skills necessary for children to be able to use information in a discriminating and effective way. Children will cover computer science, information technology and digital literacy which are taught in a spiral so that the same concepts can be revisited and built upon throughout the course of the year. We want to develop children who are confident and creative with their understanding of computing and are receptive to new ideas or advances.

It is important that the curriculum ensures that children treat all equipment with respect and use it safely and respectfully, with due regard for their own safety and that of others. At HPAO, children are taught the skills to use technology purposefully, ensuring that they can be active participants in the digital world. 

At HPAO Computing is taught from EYFS to Y6. In EYFS, computing is taught through Understanding the World where children are taught to recognise a range of technology used in homes and schools.  Our curriculum ensures that computing is incorporated across all seven areas of learning. 

According to the National Curriculum, ‘a high-quality computing education equips pupils to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world. Computing has deep links with mathematics, science, and design and technology, and provides insights into both natural and artificial systems.’ 

 Key areas:  

• The core of computing is computer science, in which pupils are taught the principles of information and computation, how digital systems work, and how to put this knowledge to use through programming.  

• Pupils are then equipped to use information technology to create programs, systems and a range of content. 

 • Pupils become digitally literate – able to use, and express themselves and develop their ideas through, information and communication technology   

We teach our computing curriculum using Purple Mash which allows for all of our children to become confident in using it so can build on their prior learning quickly and easily.  Every year group starts with online safety to ensure that every child has an understanding of how to keep themselves safe online.  We have grouped our units so that the progression of skills is evident as we move through the school. 

In every computing lesson we aim to cover:  

• computing knowledge, 

• the big computing concepts, 

• computational thinking (how computer scientists find answers)  

• develop a computing skill.