Computing at Fawbert & Barnard’s

INTENT

At Fawbert & Barnard’s, we believe all pupils deserve rich, meaningful computing experiences that balance digital literacy, computer science, and information technology. In a world where technology plays an increasingly significant role, we want pupils to become confident, responsible and creative users of technology—developing the computational thinking and problem-solving skills needed for life in a digital age.

A high-quality computing education enables children to:

• Understand core principles such as logic, algorithms, programming and data representation
• Apply their learning to analyse problems and create solutions
• Use technology safely, responsibly and purposefully
• Express themselves creatively through digital tools, multimedia and technology
• Become digitally literate in preparation for future learning and employment

We use the Teach Computing Scheme, which provides a carefully sequenced, ambitious curriculum reflecting the latest research and national expectations.

Alongside digital proficiency, we also recognise the importance of healthy screen habits. As part of our ethos of Learning for Life, we actively encourage children to balance technology use with offline learning, collaboration, creativity and physical activity—helping them develop safe, sustainable digital routines.

IMPLEMENTATION

Computing is taught through the Teach Computing Scheme, ensuring a consistent and progressive approach across all year groups.

Each year, pupils study three key strands:

1. Digital Literacy & Online Safety
2. Coding & Programming
3. Multimedia & Graphics / Information Technology

Key elements of implementation include:

• Online Safety taught explicitly at the start of each year and revisited regularly across the curriculum
• Dedicated sequences of lessons with clear progression, built on the Teach Computing progression of skills
• Opportunities to apply computing across the curriculum while maintaining a balance to prevent excessive screen time
• Use of high-quality software, apps and devices appropriate for each year group
• Strategies to help children understand when technology is useful, when it is unnecessary, and how to use it appropriately

We aim to ensure children not only learn how to use technology, but also when to use it, why to use it, and how to stay safe while doing so.

IMPACT

Our computing curriculum ensures children become:

• Confident users of a range of digital tools
• Competent problem-solvers able to apply logic and algorithms
• Responsible and safe communicators online
• Creative thinkers who can use multimedia effectively
• Reflective learners who can evaluate and refine their digital work

We measure the impact of our Computing curriculum through:

• Assessment against planned knowledge and skills
• Pupil work demonstrating progression across coding, multimedia and digital literacy
• Discussions with pupils about their learning, confidence and safety online
• Monitoring of teaching, lesson delivery and online safety understanding
• Evidence of children applying digital learning across the wider curriculum appropriately

We expect pupils who keep up with the curriculum to achieve good or better progress.

 

Online Safety

Keeping children safe online is a top priority at Fawbert & Barnard’s.

From Early Years to Year 6, pupils follow a progressive Online Safety curriculum, including:

• How to stay safe online
• How to behave responsibly and respectfully
• How to manage online risks and know what to do if they feel unsafe
• Developing healthy digital habits, including balanced screen time

Online Safety is taught in dedicated lessons and embedded throughout computing, PSHE and cross-curricular activities.

Parents are supported through guidance, workshops and regular updates to help keep children safe at home.

Our Online Safety Policy and Acceptable Use Policy are updated regularly and can be found on our Policies page.