Our vision for computing:

At Hawes Side Academy we aim to provide our students with extensive skills to prepare them for the increasing number of new technologies that they will inevitably face. In this ever growing technological world we want our children to be able to use these technologies, be aware of how they work and have a clear understanding as to how to keep themselves safe while online. We believe that these skills will provide our pupils with a firm foundation in computing, which they can build on throughout their lives.

From Foundation Stage all the way to Year 6, our pupils have daily access to a range of different devices to support and enhance their work. We are strongly committed to the development of computing across our school.

Our approach to computing:

At Hawes Side Academy computing is taught through the three main strands of Understanding Technology, Digital Literacy and Programming (Computer Science), to ensure a broad range of skills and understanding. Every lesson, the children are taught about safety when online, including when using computer games and apps. We ensure that this content is updated regularly to keep up with current trends. On top of this, online safety is discussed regularly while children are using the internet.

Computer science begins in EYFS where the children are introduced to BeeBots for basic programming. This introduces preparatory language and helps them to create and debug simple programs, developing their problem-solving skills. Further up the school, computer science is taught through Scratch Coding where children will begin to plan and debug more complex programs. This program enables pupils to build upon their skills, step by step, both through the lessons and through the years.

Digital Literacy is delivered in a way which allows children to learn to express themselves and develop their ideas through computing; they do this by creating and presenting using multimedia.  Children learn to use technology for a range of purposes not just in discrete computing lessons. At Hawes Side Academy, we have a variety of resources to support the learning and iPads are frequently used to support all areas of learning across school.

Our computing curriculum:

The National Curriculum Computing Programmes of Study for key stages 1 and 2 can be found HERE