A high-quality computing education equips 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 (National Curriculum 2014). At Hawley Primary School we believe that the use of computing is an integral part of the school curriculum and is a key skill in an ever changing world.

A high-quality computing education is essential for the growing technological world and provides the foundations for students to participate in and understand the rapid and ever evolving technology across the globe. It is imperative that pupils have secure computing knowledge, so they may access ideas, experiences and further learning from a range of cultures, people and communities. Computing should not just be a stand-alone subject, but an integral part of the children’s lives at Hawley. Our children will access technology in a range of other lessons, such as Maths or History. Making use of Purple Mash, Seesaw and games, including hit the button, to enhance their learning throughout the curriculum. By the time children leave Hawley Primary School, they should have a good understanding of Computer Science, Digital Literacy and Information Technology.

Computer Science: 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. (National Curriculum 2014)

• Problem Solving
• Programming
• Logical thinking

Information Technology: Building on their computer science knowledge and understanding, pupils are equipped to use information technology to create programs, systems and a range of content. (National Curriculum 2014)

• Creating content
• Searching

Digital Literacy: Computing also ensures that pupils become digitally literate – able to use, and 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. (National Curriculum 2014)

• Online safety
• Using IT beyond school

Computing is taught at school through the use of Purple Mash. Purple Mash is a cloud-based platform for primary-aged children. It contains a wide range of age-appropriate, creative software tools for writing, drawing, coding, animating, blogging and much more. In addition to these programs, the platform provides resources and themed lesson activities, which can be set for pupils to access at home. Purple Mash can be accessed in school and at home as all the work is stored online, within Purple Mash.

Included within our Purple Mash subscription is the EYFS platform, Mini Mash. There are seven learning areas. In each area you’ll find a range of engaging content and tools that are perfect for individual or group activities (these link to the Early Years Framework). Purple Mash also includes an online library called Serial Mash, which contains digital fiction books with guided reading resources and activities.