Computing

What is this subject about?

Computing equips children with the knowledge and skills they need to understand and thrive in an increasingly digital world. The National Curriculum states that high‑quality computing education should enable pupils to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world. Through computing, children learn how computers and digital systems work, how information is stored and processed, and how technology impacts everyday life. Pupils develop key skills in computer science, information technology and digital literacy, including coding, problem‑solving and safe, responsible online behaviour. As they progress, children learn to think logically, break problems down into manageable steps, and evaluate digital content critically. Computing helps pupils become confident, capable and responsible users of technology, preparing them for future learning, employment and participation in modern society.

Our Vision

In a world where technology is constantly evolving, the pupils of Heyes Lane will embrace it rather than be intimidated by it. Using the Kapow curriculum, alongside computing across the curriculum, encompassing computer science, information technology and digital literacy, we wish for our pupils to become creators and computer scientists who live and breathe technology. Our vision is that computing at HLPS flips the switch of excitement, intrigue and ingenuity in our learners. Through regular training opportunities, our staff also share the same vision and, by encouraging our teachers to try and embed computing across the whole curriculum, this becomes a whole school journey to make learning more creative, exciting and accessible. If we can provide opportunities in school for our pupils, who may not have these experiences outside of school, to use different forms of hardware and software, we may just kick start a life-long passion and a career for the future.  

It is our belief that the children first and foremost are taught how to use technology responsibly and safely; education is they key element in preventing the wide variety of issues we currently see with technology/social media. As educators, we need to face these issues head on and want our pupils to understand that there is always a choice with using technology. As a school, through our own social media uses, we model positive practice and showcase children’s learning throughout school.  

We recognise that technology can allow pupils to share their learning in creative ways. In conjunction with our themes, we want our pupils to be fluent with a range of tools to best express their understanding – we are constantly looking at ways to present work in a more creative way. This is in the hope that by the end of Key Stage 2, the children of HLPS have been exposed to a range of hardware, software and, most importantly, they have been switched on by computing. 

What Does The Computing Curriculum Look Like?

At Heyes Lane, all children take part in regular, high-quality Computing lessons taught in line with the National Curriculum programme of study. Our long-term plan outlines the units taught each term and ensures full coverage of computer science, information technology and digital literacy. Throughout the year, pupils experience a broad and engaging range of topics including programming, data handling, digital media, online safety and understanding how digital systems work. 

As part of our provision, we use Kapow Primary as our core Computing scheme. This provides carefully sequenced lessons that build knowledge and skills progressively across each year group. Lessons are taught in units, allowing pupils to revisit and build on prior learning, develop their understanding and demonstrate clear progress over time. 

Every year group begins the academic year with a dedicated online safety unit, ensuring pupils have a clear understanding of how to use technology safely and responsibly from the outset. Online safety is then embedded throughout all units, reinforcing key messages and helping children to apply this knowledge in a range of contexts. 

Across each school term, children explore a range of different units, giving them the opportunity to develop a wide variety of computing skills across the year. Computing is taught both as a discrete subject and, where appropriate, linked across the wider curriculum to provide meaningful and purposeful opportunities to apply skills. 

Teachers use the Kapow Primary resources to support planning and assessment, ensuring consistency and progression across the school. This includes clear lesson sequences, knowledge organisers and assessment tools to support teachers in monitoring pupil progress. 

Children are also encouraged to apply their computing skills in a range of contexts, working both independently and collaboratively to create, problem-solve and share their ideas. Across the school, pupils showcase their learning through practical, hands-on activities—using a range of devices and software to explore, experiment and create. This approach supports digital confidence, creativity and resilience, helping to foster a positive and responsible attitude towards technology in every child. 

How Do We Assess Children and Evaluate our Computing Curriculum?

Assessment in Computing at Heyes Lane is ongoing, purposeful and designed to help children know more, do more and remember more. Teachers assess pupils throughout each lesson using observation, questioning and feedback to identify how well children are developing their knowledge and skills. At the end of each unit, teachers make a clear judgement about whether pupils have met the key objectives for that area of learning, drawing on their professional knowledge of each child’s understanding and application. 

To support this process, pupils complete a short multiple-choice quiz at the end of each unit. These quizzes help assess knowledge retention and understanding of key concepts, while also informing teachers of any gaps or misconceptions. 

When evaluating the overall impact of our Computing curriculum, we look closely at how children are developing across several key areas: 

We also consider how well children apply their learning beyond discrete Computing lessons. Pupils regularly showcase their skills through cross-curricular work and independent tasks, using technology to create, communicate and solve problems. This helps teachers see how confidently children use their learning in meaningful, real-world contexts. 

Together, these approaches help us understand the progress children make over time and the effectiveness of our curriculum design. 

How You Can Help At Home

Clubs, Trips and Enrichment

At Heyes Lane, we are proud to offer a range of extra-curricular opportunities that enrich our Computing curriculum and give children the chance to develop their digital skills in creative and engaging ways. From coding to digital media, our enrichment programme is designed to help every child build confidence, explore new interests and enjoy using technology beyond the classroom. 

We work with Code Ninjas, who provide after-school coding clubs for both Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 pupils. These sessions give children the opportunity to develop their programming skills in a fun, hands-on environment, helping to build confidence, problem-solving skills and a deeper understanding of coding concepts. 

In addition, we offer a film-making club, where pupils can explore digital storytelling through planning, recording and editing their own films. This allows children to develop skills in creativity, collaboration and digital media, while also giving them the opportunity to showcase their work. 

Through our clubs and enrichment activities, we aim to inspire children to become confident, creative and responsible users of technology. These opportunities support pupils in developing key life skills such as resilience, communication and independence, helping to prepare them for an increasingly digital world. 

What is this subject about?

Hello, I’m Mr Stanyer and I have been the Computing Lead at Heyes Lane since September 2025. Computing is a subject I am passionate about because it equips children with the skills and understanding they need to thrive in an increasingly digital world. I believe it is vital that pupils learn not only how to use technology confidently, but also how it works, how to use it creatively, and how to stay safe online. As the world continues to change rapidly and technology shapes how we live, learn and communicate, my aim through the teaching of Computing at Heyes Lane is to prepare children for this future by providing meaningful opportunities to explore, create and problem‑solve using a range of digital tools, inspiring curiosity, creativity and resilience so that every child becomes a confident, capable and responsible digital learner.