Computing
Intent
At Harpole Primary School, we equip pupils with the skills and knowledge to thrive in a future increasingly shaped by rapid technological change. Our Computing curriculum is designed to fully meet the National Curriculum requirements, while fostering collaboration, deep engagement with rich content, and a strong conceptual understanding of technology.
We aim to develop pupils who are digitally literate, confident, resilient, and responsible users of technology, able to apply their skills confidently across academic subjects and everyday life.
Our curriculum nurtures pupils who:
- Use ICT creatively, competently, and confidently.
- Navigate technology safely, understand online risks, and know when and how to seek support.
- Apply technology purposefully and critically to solve problems.
- Write, test, and debug programs through practical, hands-on learning.
- Grasp fundamental principles of computer science.
- Participate actively and thoughtfully in the digital world.
- Think critically about online content, media, and digital communication.
- Understand data use, storage, and governance in a digital context.
- Transfer their computing skills effectively both at school and at home.
By following the Teach Computing scheme, our curriculum ensures pupils develop the knowledge and skills essential for success in an ever-evolving digital landscape.
Implementation
Harpole Primary School Computing Curriculum: Implementation
At Harpole Primary School, we are committed to delivering high standards in computing through a progressive, well-structured curriculum. Our approach is fully aligned with the National Curriculum for Key Stages 1 and 2, as well as the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum. This framework ensures that key knowledge and skills are developed and built upon year by year.
Computing is taught through half-termly units using the ‘Teach Computing’ scheme, which clearly outlines the knowledge, skills, and vocabulary for each year group. This ensures continuity and progression throughout the school. Where appropriate, computing is also integrated across other subjects to enhance learning and support the development of digital skills across the curriculum.
We are proud to offer a wide range of resources to support computing lessons, including iPads, laptops, Bee-Bots, and a variety of software and apps that allow pupils to create, edit, and evaluate their work. Pupils use these tools independently, in pairs, in small groups, or with the support of a teacher or teaching assistant. Online safety and responsible use of technology are always a priority, and pupils are closely supervised when using devices and accessing the internet.
We actively encourage pupils to engage with technology beyond the classroom. Each child has access to educational apps and platforms, particularly in English and Maths, and teachers can monitor their progress remotely.
Opportunities for computing extend beyond the classroom through special events such as Safer Internet Day, which we participate in annually during the Spring Term. This supports our wider commitment to safeguarding and online safety education.
An Inclusive Curriculum
Child-Initiated Learning
Our topic-based curriculum allows pupils to take an active role in their learning, encouraging exploration, curiosity, and creativity. Teachers are empowered to respond to pupil interests, making learning more dynamic and meaningful. This flexible approach blends guided teaching with child-led discovery, supporting deeper understanding and ownership of learning.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Our curriculum is designed to reflect and celebrate the diverse world in which we live. Through carefully chosen themes, texts, and topics, we aim to provide children with both a window into different experiences and a mirror that reflects their own. Our approach ensures that all pupils see themselves represented in the curriculum and that inclusion is woven into every aspect of school life.
Special Educational Needs (SEND)
We are committed to providing a high-quality, ambitious education for all children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities. We ensure lessons are accessible through differentiated resources, questioning, and support. Adaptations are made to meet the individual needs of learners, enabling every child to thrive and become a confident, independent learner.
Pupil Premium
At Harpole Primary, we do not use the term “disadvantaged” to describe pupils supported by the Pupil Premium Grant (PPG). Our aim is the same for all children: to make good progress and develop into resilient, independent, and resourceful learners.
Our curriculum takes a holistic approach, combining high-quality teaching with strong pastoral care. We focus on supporting pupils academically, socially, emotionally, and mentally. This approach benefits all children, while recognising and addressing the specific challenges faced by those receiving additional funding.
Impact
At Harpole, we aim to inspire our children to enjoy and value the computing curriculum. We want our learners to explore, reflect on, and understand the positive impact technology can have on their education, development, and well-being.
We believe that finding a healthy balance with technology is essential—not only for effective learning, but also for supporting a balanced lifestyle. Our computing curriculum is designed to help children recognise and maintain this balance, equipping them with the skills and awareness they can carry into the next stage of their education and beyond.
Open dialogue between staff and pupils plays a key role in embedding this understanding. Through regular discussions, we ensure our approach remains reflective and responsive to pupils' needs.
Pupils showcase their learning in a variety of creative and meaningful ways—through sharing, celebrating, and publishing their work. We assess the impact of our curriculum by reviewing pupils’ digital portfolios, observing their learning, and tracking their progress using shared workspaces on the school network.
The progress of each child is demonstrated through the outcomes they achieve and the journey taken to reach them, which is documented through ongoing assessment and curriculum coverage.