Computing at Hardwick

Computing is about equipping pupils to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world. Computing has deep links with mathematics, science, and design and technology, and provides insights into both natural and artificial systems. 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.

It gives children the knowledge, understanding and ability to use information technology to create programs, systems and a range of content.

Without it, they would not become digitally literate. This means they would not be able to use, 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.

It feeds into our school’s curriculum intent by embedding computing in as many learning opportunities as possible. This will provide our children with concrete experiences of when and how they can use digital media in different aspects of their lives. Through stimulating and challenging experiences children will continue to develop their love for learning and through this become confident and independent users of a range of software and hardware.

Computing is taught across the whole school from the very youngest children in our nursery to those in Year 6. Our curriculum ensures that children learn new knowledge and skills and progress in these so that they not only use the technology that exists today, but also gain the life-long thinking skills and passion to continue to develop their love for computing through secondary school and beyond.

Our curriculum ensures that our children:

  • 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

In addition, children are given regular opportunities to use various technologies so that they gain first-hand experiences. Some of the technologies used include BeeBots, various apps on iPads, Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, Green Screen video recording, Robots with Artificial Intelligence and many others.

Please see below our curriculum progression grid for Computing, detailing how our children progress through knowledge and skills from Nursery to Year 6: