Halfway Nursery Infant School

Computing

Intent

Our aim is to equip pupils to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world. 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. Building on this knowledge and understanding, pupils are equipped to use information technology to create programs, systems and a range of content. Computing also ensures that pupils become digitally literate – able to use, and express themselves and develop their ideas through, information and communication technology – at a level suitable for the future workplace and as active participants in a digital world. Computing also has deep links with mathematics, science, and design and technology, and provides insights into both natural and artificial systems.

We the use the Sheffield Primary Computing Progression framework which provides the four key areas of focus for computing, as well as learning objectives to be covered. In Key Stage 1, this planning is supported by the Teach Computing curriculum scheme.

We expose children to a wide range of technology and tools within their computing curriculum from computers, digital tablets, programmable robots such as beebots, cameras, interactive whiteboards and other forms of media.

Implementation

At Halfway Nursery Infant school we aim to deliver computing education across a range of our subjects to demonstrate the digital nature of our modern world. Pupils will be continually exposed to technology in their daily classroom life from iPads to interactive whiteboards and desktop computers. Children will also be taught the skills they need to become computer literate through discreet computing lessons in Key Stage 1. Teaching computing as a discreet subject in the Early Years is not a legal requirement, yet we ensure that children in our EYFS are exposed to and use technology across their curriculum to equip them with a strong foundation to access the learning ahead.

Impact

Due to the nature of the subject of computing, much of the evidence of pupils learning will be digital. Work may be shared through online platforms such as Tapestry, saved to the school server or, in some cases, printed out for books where the learning was cross-curricular.

As the strand of “technology” was individually removed from the Early Years in 2021, there is no formal need to assess children; however teachers in the EYFS will consistently monitor their children’s use of technology in the classroom. In Key Stage 1, pupils will be assessed against the National Curriculum expectations; children’s work, and on-going discussions with children, is viewed as an on-going record of their progress and attainment in this subject.

Through the use of the Sheffield Primary Computing Progression framework we ensure that children re-visit skills and knowledge as they progress through EYFS and KS1. The curriculum ensures a spiral approach, revisiting skills knowledge and strands regularly to ensure computing basics and knowledge are taught, experienced, learned and embedded.

Computing whole school overview