Our aim is to provide a high-quality computing education which equips children to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world. The curriculum will teach children key knowledge about how computers and computer systems work and how they are designed and programmed. Learners will have the opportunity to gain an understanding of computational systems of all kinds, whether or not they include computers.
By the time the children at Henham leave our school, they will have gained key knowledge and skills in the three main areas of the computing curriculum:
Computer Science: programming and understanding how digital systems work.
Information Technology: using computer systems to store, retrieve and send information.
Digital Literacy: evaluating digital content and using technology safely and respectfully.
At Henham, we work hard to be a 21st century school, which embraces 21st century technology. We are committed, despite the difficult financial times, particularly for rural schools, to providing excellence in technological learning and our parent body is immensely supportive of this.
Purple Mash
Classes have access to a communal set of iPads and laptops, enough for a class. They all have their own login to the fabulous learning platform, Purple Mash, with its wealth of computing and cross-curricular learning opportunities, accessible both at school and at home.
Our next technological project, funds and fundraising permitting, is to create a multi-media space where research and study can take place and children can use traditional research materials – books, newspapers, magazines etc – alongside iPads, laptops and other screen based systems. A marriage of new and traditional.
Technology in the everyday classroom
Every classroom in the school has an interactive whiteboard. Our children are encouraged to use technology in their everyday learning. We have iPads, laptops and even a new Media Suite
In addition to iPads and laptops, in each classroom we have desktop computers for children to use as a resource across the curriculum: a particular favourite is to use it as a spell checker or thesaurus, or even to translate things into French!
Having all this upgradeable technology at their fingertips has allowed the children to access, practise and revisit their learning in different ways – which, of course, leads to accelerated progress!
Q+A
How do we (as teachers) ensure that our subject knowledge is up to date?
At Henham our subject leaders attend regular courses to update their computing subject knowledge and upskill themselves in the use of computing technology. This year, I have had training on internet safety and attended an extremely useful update from ICT MR P where he talked thorugh the importance of preparing children for the AI world.
How do I (as subject leader) know that teacher’s subject knowledge is up to date?
When I receive any updates from subject leader training or guidance, I regularly update the other members of staff at the school in staff meetings or emails. During an INSET day I shared lots of different websites so that teachers use technology within their lessons.
Do I (as subject leader) read latest research about my subject?
Yes I always follow forums and discussion groups on social media, always read government guidance particularly when it comes to e-safety and updated guidance on protecting children when they are online.
How do I (as subject leader) want my subject to be taught across the school?
I want our children to feel they have the skills they need to grow up in the modern world. Technology has advanced in recent years and we must prepare the children for ‘an AI world’.
How do I (as subject leader) know how my subject is being taught?
Computing Technology is taught at least once a week at Henham and technology should be used inside the classroom in a variety of different ways every day. Teachers can use iPad or can pay a visit to the computer suite with the class to type up thier work or research using the internet but we also use technology to assist or knowledge of the wider world.
How do I (as subject leader) want the subject to look on display boards?
E-safety posters should be on display around the school site. Regular updates on the weekly newsletter regarding websites such as Youtube
Am I (as subject leader) sure that there is a skills development in my subject? How do I know?
There is clear development of skills throughout the school. We use Purple Maths as a scheme of work for computing. Children start off with basic computer skills and progress through the different aspects of the curriculum leading up to computer coding, creating their own websites, applications and computer games and discussing computing in the future.
Is there a clear path of skills development in my subject?
How is the subject assessed at Henham?
Computing is assessed at Christmas, Easter and the end of the academic year. Children are assessed against the national curriculum statements.
How are skills and knowledge assessed?
Am I (as subject leader) certain that assessments are accurate in every class?
We encourage teachers to moderate against each other and prove that children are working above age-related expectation in Computing
How are children with SEN are supported in your subject?
Children with Special Educational Needs are supported in Computing through numerous ways. As part of my training to the team we discussed enlarging screens, screen mirroring, using AI applications to help the visually impaired. Using immersive reader to clean up the site. Using sites such as Quilbot and
How do I know that it support for children with SEN happening across the school?
Our teachers are very good at adapting lessons to suit the needs
What do children like about my subject?
Children enjoy using the ipads more than the computers. They say lessons are
What do the children dislike about my subject?