Computing

At Holy Trinity, our intention in Computing is to provide a high-quality computing education which teaches children key knowledge about how computers and computer systems work at an appropriate level for EYFS and KS1. Learners will have the opportunity to gain an understanding of computational systems of different kinds, whether or not they include computers.

By the time they leave Holy Trinity, children will have gained a solid foundation of early key knowledge and skills in the three main areas of the computing curriculum: computer science (programming and understanding how digital systems work), information technology (using computer systems to store, retrieve and send information) and digital literacy (evaluating digital content and using technology safely and respectfully). The objectives within each strand support the development of learning across the key stages, ensuring a solid grounding for future learning and beyond.

At Holy Trinity, Computing is taught in discrete lessons and also across the wider curriculum.

This ensures children are able to develop depth in their knowledge and skills over the duration of each of their computing topics.

Teachers use Purple Mash as a starting point for the planning of their computing lessons, which are often richly linked to engaging contexts in other subjects and topics. We have a good supply of iPads, chrome books and Beebots to ensure that all year groups have the opportunity to use a range of devices and programs. Employing cross- curricular links motivates pupils and supports them to make connections and remember the steps they have been taught.

The implementation of the curriculum also ensures a balanced coverage of computer science, information technology and digital literacy. The children will have experiences of all three strands in each year group, but the subject knowledge imparted becomes increasingly specific and in depth, with more complex skills being taught, thus ensuring that learning is built upon. For example, children in EYFS begin their exploration of simple apps and programs which then leads in Key Stage 1 to what algorithms are and designing simple posters and leaflets and stories using word processing programs.

Our approach to the curriculum results in a fun, engaging, and high-quality computing education. The quality of children’s learning is evident in the classroom displays, their topic books and their Purple Mash online folders. It is also captured in teacher observations, and this evidence is used to feed into teachers’ future planning, and as a topic-based approach continues to be developed, teachers are able to revisit misconceptions and knowledge gaps in computing when teaching other curriculum areas.

This supports varied paces of learning and ensures all pupils make good progress.

Computing at Holy Trinity gives children the building blocks to equip pupils with experiences, knowledge and skills which will benefit them as they move into KS2.