Computing

At Hartley Primary Academy, we believe that computing is integral to life at school and beyond: for learning, working, innovating, creating, responding, problem-solving, problem-posing, socializing and playing. In this constantly evolving digital age, it is key for children to learn the skills needed to help them later in their lives. We therefore want to equip them with the knowledge and skills of the curriculum, as well as the PYP to prepare them for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of the outside world safely. We aim to use computing to develop the processes of the PYP to become more independent enquirers. Computing provides opportunities for the transformation of teaching and learning and enables students to investigate, create, communicate, collaborate, organise and become more responsible for their own learning and actions. 

In our curriculum we aim to ensure all pupils:

• Can understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation

• Can analyse problems in computational terms, and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems

• Can evaluate and apply information technology, including new or unfamiliar technologies, analytically to solve problems

• Are responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology

A clear knowledge and skills progression, covering all areas of the computing curriculum, has been created to ensure progression and repetition in terms of embedding key learning, knowledge and skills. Computing is linked throughout our curriculum, where possible, to build children’s digital literacy and ICT skills. Children have the opportunity to work on different devices, such as iPads and Chromebooks throughout their lessons and are taught relevant skills on how to stay safe online, where appropriate. Each year, we take part in ‘online safety’ workshops to further remind us about how to explore and respond to key issues such as digital communication, cyber-bullying, online safety, security, plagiarism and social media. Our curriculum is based around the scheme: Teach Computing. 

By the time they leave Hartley Primary Academy, we hope for our children to be confident users of technology, and able to use it to accomplish a wide variety of goals, both at home and in school. Children will have a secure and comprehensive knowledge of the implications of technology and digital systems, especially during this rapidly evolving digital age. Children will be able to apply British values of democracy, tolerance, mutual respect, rule of law and liberty when using digital systems.