Computing at The Hayes Primary School

We believe that computing is an essential part of preparing children for life in a modern, digital world. Through engaging, hands-on learning, pupils explore how technology works, how it can be used creatively, and how to stay safe online. Our computing curriculum inspires curiosity, problem-solving, and confidence — helping every child to be the best they can be in an ever-changing technological landscape.

Intent

At The Hayes Primary School, our aim is for every child to be the best they can be — confident, creative, and responsible users of technology.  We believe that a high-quality computing education equips pupils to understand and contribute positively to an ever-changing, technology-driven world. Through our computing curriculum, children develop the knowledge, skills, and understanding to use technology safely, effectively, and creatively.

We follow the Purple Mash scheme of work to ensure a broad and engaging computing curriculum that covers all strands of the National Curriculum — Computer Science, Information Technology, and Digital Literacy. This includes coding, data handling, digital art, communication, and online safety. Learning is carefully sequenced so pupils revisit and deepen their understanding each year, building a strong foundation for future learning.

Our intent is to:

• Develop confident, independent, and imaginative thinkers who use technology to problem-solve and express their ideas creatively.
• Ensure all pupils, including those with SEND and from disadvantaged backgrounds, have equal access to high-quality digital learning experiences and achieve success.
• Foster curiosity and computational thinking so pupils understand not only how technology works but also how it shapes their lives.
• Embed Online Safety across all year groups so pupils understand how to be ready, respectful, and safe in an increasingly digital world.

We aim to ensure that each child has access to technology during lessons to promote independence, engagement, and hands-on exploration. By the time they leave The Hayes, our pupils will have the confidence and competence to use technology purposefully, safely, and creatively — ready for the next stage of their education and beyond.

Implementation

Computing is taught in half-termly units, guided by the Purple Mash scheme of work, which provides full coverage of the National Curriculum and a clear progression of skills from Early Years to Year 6. The curriculum is organised around the three core strands:

1. Computer Science – Pupils learn the principles of coding and computational thinking, designing and debugging programs using logical reasoning.
2. Information Technology – Pupils learn to use technology to create, organise, store, and present information, using software and applications for different purposes.
3. Digital Literacy – Pupils develop the skills to use technology responsibly, understand its impact on society, and communicate safely and effectively online.

Teaching is practical, interactive, and creative. Lessons include a balance of teacher modelling, guided exploration, and independent investigation. Key concepts and vocabulary are revisited regularly through retrieval activities and quizzes to strengthen long-term understanding.

Children have opportunities to apply their computing skills in meaningful, cross-curricular contexts — for example, using data in science, creating digital art in design projects, or writing blogs in English. The use of Micro:bits, programmable devices, and other digital tools further enhances engagement and children’s problem solving abilities and provides real-world coding experiences.

Online Safety is a consistent focus across the curriculum, linking to real-life examples and promoting our school rules of being ready, respectful, and safe in all digital environments.   Online safety is revisited frequently through discrete lessons, assemblies, and participation in national initiatives such as Safer Internet Day. Children are taught how to recognise risks, make responsible choices, and seek help when needed.

Staff receive regular professional development to ensure subject knowledge remains current and teaching is confident and effective. Teachers assess pupils’ understanding through observation, discussion, and work completed within Purple Mash, allowing them to track progress and plan next steps accordingly.

Impact

By the end of their time at The Hayes Primary School, pupils will be confident, capable, and creative users of technology. They will be able to:

• Think logically and apply computational reasoning to solve problems.
• Use a range of digital tools to communicate, create, and collaborate effectively.
• Explain what they have learned and apply their knowledge across different subjects.
• Demonstrate a secure understanding of how to use technology safely, respectfully, and responsibly.

Assessment, pupil voice, and work samples show that pupils make strong progress across all strands of computing. They enjoy their lessons, speak positively about their learning,

They understand the importance of being safe and responsible digital citizens

The school teaches all the children about the importance of being safe on the internet.  All the children sign an agreement that they will always abide by safe practice guidance. Please click here to access our E-Safety Page.

How Computing is taught throughout the school (Curriculum Mapping)