Computing

At Horizon Primary Academy, our aim is to build children’s computational thinking and creativity across the computing curriculum. We aim to equip the children with the knowledge and skills of information and computation. The national curriculum identifies computer science as the core of computing and therefore we dedicate the majority of computing learning time to building and applying this knowledge through programming (coding), building conceptual understanding within a progressive scheme. The national curriculum states that “pupils are equipped to use information technology to create programs, systems and a range of content.” The Horizon computing curriculum is therefore designed to provide a breadth of programming opportunities, where children design a range of games and apps in a variety of contexts.

The National Curriculum also states that: “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.” The Horizon curriculum, therefore, provides space for children to learn the basics of computer, device and cloud use as well as the specific knowledge and skills of computer programs and apps commonly used in the workplace.

Using the three pillars of learning in computing: computer science, digital literacy and information technology, the Horizon curriculum is organised into the strands of coding, online safety, computer basics and information technology.