Curriculum Intent for computing

Computing at Halifax has clear progression across year groups and skills are built on each year. Computing provides pupils opportunities to apply the skills across the curriculum, giving the opportunity for children to explore different programmes to support digital literacy. Our computing curriculum provides children with memorable experiences which will support life-long learning through exploring a range of media through apps, word processing and coding, setting our children up with experiences which directly supports their employability and immerse the children in an environment with a wide range of role models. The curriculum encourages the children to collaborate on projects and enjoy sharing them with their peers. The children should become confident, responsible, and independent digital citizens in a technology-driven world. In line with our whole school values, our teaching and learning in computing aims to demonstrate:

Aspiration (possibilities) children are exposed to a wide range of role models through the computing curriculum, adults delivering this curriculum, and through interactive or practical computing days. Previously, this has been accomplished in Year 3 through a BUPA Coding Day delivered by the Computing lead. Aspiration is also achieved through children taking a lead in their learning of computing, having opportunities to show off their learning and explain how they have created their media.

Nurture (inclusivity and diversity) through computing lessons, shared reading and assemblies, children are inspired by a wide range of significant people in computing.  These include Ada Lovelace – first programmer in history, Alan Turing – father of modern computing, Grace Hopper – created the first linker, Tim Berners-Lee – creator of the World Wide Web, Annie Easley, Dorothy Vaughan and Katharine Johnson– both ‘human computers’ for NASA during the space race, Frank S. Green – developed the world’s fastest microchip, Gladys West – co-created GPS, and Hedy Lamarr – created a secret communication system which inspired WiFi.

Collaboration (oracy) through creating shared year group pages on Purple Mash and for computing to share their learning with their peers, other year groups and parents.

Curiosity (community) children meet external people in the field of computing through experience days and practical, hands-on computing activities (BUPA/BT/Lego coding day). Computing also fosters a curiosity in learning.

Curriculum Map

Impact – What our pupils say about computing at Halifax

In all subjects at Halifax, we have Quality of Education reviews where our pupils share their learning and experiences in different subjects. Below is just a small sample of what our Halifax pupils think about computing.

Kacey-Rae in Year 6 said, “I liked learning about spreadsheets as they were a challenge but I could use it in real-life.”

Theo in Year 3 said, “I enjoyed putting the instructions in for coding and then making changes if it didn’t work.”

Falisha in Year 5 said, “I enjoyed the animation as the background gives you an idea and then you can be creative.”