Computing has links with virtually all other areas of learning, but also has some defined strands in its own right too. It used to be called Information and Communications Technology (ICT) but is now called Computing, to reflect the emphasis on computation, how digital systems work and how to put this knowledge to use through programming - then how to use and apply the skills across all areas of learning.

 The key aims are to ensure that children:

• can understand and apply fundamental principle sand 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 technologies. 

There is also a significant element of keeping safe online, which is taught in assemblies and within classes regularly. The technical aspects of coding are taught by a subject specialist. 

The use of computers has been a key part of recent educational development, and remains at the heart of twenty-first century education, and we are eager to ensure that our use of computers in school puts our children in a strong position for their future in a rapidly changing technology world. This begins by introducing children to correct touch typing technique before poor habits set in. Confidence with a keyboard and the principles of algorithms, coding and debugging lead into taking Computer Science at the next stages of education - an in-demand subject from employers who want staff who are able to analyse problems, think clearly and logically, and have the patience to handle setbacks when fault-finding. 

Our interactive whiteboards in every classroom are being upgraded to bright, large  touchscreens with wide viewing angles, and teachers regularly use these for many aspects of their teaching. They are also used by children as interactive tools for learning, as a range of good quality applications are available for class use using this technology.

Across the school every class has high quality, modern devices. In Robins and Swifts these are generally iPads and Chromebooks, reflecting the need for easy-to-use machines and quick internet or app access. In Herons and Kestrels, older children use a mixture of Chromebooks for rapid online access, Windows 11 laptops and Surfaces. They become used to both Microsoft and Google ecosystems. We have worked hard to eradicate outdated or slow devices that detract from high-quality computing education. All these machines connect to our core server and full safe internet - filtered at county level - through our whole school secure wireless network, and therefore allow flexible working in classrooms and around the whole school building.

We are developing our use of the curriculum materials and subject expertise through the Norfolk Computing Hub. Recent developments in remote learning and video calling technology have served to place Computing highly in the area of Life Skills. 

Intent

We want our children to leave the Belfry CEVA Primary School equipped with the skills, knowledge and understanding to be confident and safe participants in a digital world and know what to do if they feel unsafe. They will be able to create, save and modify their work; understand that their input affects their output; to be able to detect and correct errors, and evaluate content and technology to be able to achieve their aims.

Pupils will know how to use these technological skills when working in all areas of the curriculum, and use them in becoming engaged, motivated and curious learners, while at all times keeping safe.

Implementation

We take online safety extremely seriously and a clear focus within the school is given to this matter. This is to ensure all pupils are aware of how to use technology safely both in and out of school and who to approach if they have any worries or concerns about anything they have seen online. Online safety is addressed both in lessons and in whole-school assemblies, allowing us to promote healthy attitudes to online activities at an age-appropriate level.

To help pupils achieve this, they are given the opportunity to develop their basic computing skills, before building on them and applying them securely to different pieces of software.

In lessons, computing skills include coding, decoding and debugging as well as how to navigate a web page. These skills will then be enhanced further, allowing pupils to apply them when designing and creating their own digital projects.

Impact

Computing assessment is ongoing throughout lessons to inform teachers, and summative assessment is completed against Computing Learning Objectives. Pupils are expected to be confident and able to talk about what they have learnt in Computing using subject specific vocabulary and demonstrate that they can keep themselves safe.