Computing
Ashton Hayes Primary School – Computing Curriculum Overview
Vision for Computing:
At Ashton Hayes Primary School, we believe that computing is an essential part of modern life and equips pupils with the skills they need to thrive in an increasingly digital world. Through our computing curriculum, we aim to inspire curiosity, creativity and confidence in using technology safely and effectively.
We are committed to providing a curriculum that enables pupils to develop key digital skills for the future, including problem-solving, logical thinking and resilience. Pupils learn how to use technology not only as consumers, but as creators, developing an understanding of how digital systems work and how they can be used to express ideas and solve real-world problems.
Our curriculum supports pupils in becoming independent learners who can research, evaluate and use information effectively. We place a strong emphasis on digital literacy, ensuring pupils can navigate the online world safely, responsibly and critically. Pupils are taught how to question information, understand reliability and develop the skills needed to make informed decisions in a digital environment.
We aim to nurture confident, responsible digital citizens who understand the importance of online safety, respect and ethical use of technology. Through a progressive and engaging curriculum, pupils build the knowledge and skills needed to adapt to new technologies and challenges.
Ultimately, we want computing to empower pupils with the confidence and capability to succeed in a rapidly changing technological world, preparing them for future education, employment and life beyond school.
We aim for all pupils to:
We aim for all pupils to develop confidence in using a range of digital technologies safely, responsibly and effectively. Pupils will learn to navigate digital devices and platforms with increasing independence, understanding how to use technology purposefully to support their learning and everyday life.
We aim for pupils to become computational thinkers who can solve problems logically and creatively. Through coding and programming, pupils will learn to break down problems, recognise patterns and design simple algorithms, developing resilience and perseverance when faced with challenges.
We aim for all pupils to become independent learners who can research, evaluate and use information effectively. Pupils will be taught how to search for information safely, assess its reliability and present their findings in a clear and purposeful way, equipping them with essential skills for lifelong learning.
We aim to develop pupils’ digital literacy so they can communicate and express ideas using a variety of digital tools. Pupils will learn to create content such as presentations, documents, images and simple media, building confidence in sharing their ideas in different formats.
We aim for pupils to understand how to stay safe online and to become responsible digital citizens. They will learn about online safety, privacy, respectful communication and the impact of their digital footprint, ensuring they can engage positively and responsibly in the online world.
Implementation
Our computing curriculum is designed to be progressive, engaging and accessible to all learners, ensuring that knowledge and skills build over time. Lessons are carefully sequenced so that pupils revisit and develop key concepts, allowing them to deepen their understanding and apply their learning in a range of contexts.
Pupils are taught computing through a structured curriculum that covers the key areas of computer science, information technology and digital literacy. This ensures that pupils not only learn how to use technology, but also understand how it works and how to create their own digital content.
Throughout the school, pupils develop their understanding of programming through age-appropriate activities. They begin by giving and following simple instructions and progress to designing, writing and debugging their own programs using a range of software and platforms. This supports the development of logical thinking, problem-solving and resilience.
Digital literacy is embedded across the curriculum, enabling pupils to use technology purposefully to support their learning. Pupils are taught how to research effectively, evaluate information and present their ideas using a variety of digital tools. Opportunities are provided for pupils to work independently and collaboratively, developing confidence in using technology in different contexts.
Online safety is a key priority within our computing curriculum. Pupils are regularly taught how to stay safe online, including understanding privacy, respectful communication and the potential risks of the digital world. These messages are reinforced across the curriculum and through wider school initiatives.
Teachers use a range of strategies to support all learners, including modelling, scaffolding and providing opportunities for repetition and retrieval practice. Lessons are adapted to meet the needs of all pupils, ensuring that everyone can access the curriculum and make progress.
By providing a rich and varied computing curriculum, we ensure that pupils gain the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to use technology effectively, both in school and beyond.
Impact
By the time pupils leave Ashton Hayes, they will have developed a secure understanding of computing and will be confident in using a range of digital technologies.
Pupils will be able to think logically and solve problems through programming, demonstrating resilience and independence. They will understand key concepts of computational thinking and be able to apply these across different areas of learning.
They will be digitally literate, able to research, evaluate and present information effectively, choosing appropriate tools to communicate their ideas.
Pupils will also understand how to stay safe online and will demonstrate responsible and respectful use of technology. They will be aware of risks and understand how to manage their digital footprint.
Overall, pupils will leave Ashton Hayes as confident and capable users of technology, well-prepared for the next stage of their education and life in a digital world.