Grafton Primary believes that every child should have the right to a curriculum that champions excellence; supporting pupils in achieving to the very best of their abilities. We understand the immense value technology plays not only in supporting the Computing and whole school curriculum but overall in the day-to-day life of our school. We aim to teach pupils to become responsible, respectful and competent users of technology whilst encouraging them to use computational thinking and creativity. Children are taught the principles of information and computation, how digital systems work, and how to put this knowledge to use through programming. 

Our school uses the Teach Computing scheme to deliver lessons from Year 1 through to Year 6. We have four main themes to our Computing curriculum which are:

• Computing Systems and Networks
• Creating Media 
• Data and Information
• Programming 

Each of the themes is revisited regularly (at least once in each year group), and pupils revisit each theme through a new unit that consolidates and builds on prior learning within that theme.

Our REAL Curriculum is...

R: relevant, research-based, reflective

Our computing curriculum develops:

• a coverage of computing skills that are relevant to the practical world we live in.
• a strong understanding of computing by delivering an innovative curriculum based on research and current trends and technology. 
• problem solving opportunities to allow children to reflect on their learning. 

E: engaging, enquiry-led

Our computing curriculum: 

• is underpinned by enquiry led learning using practical skills which are engaging and deepen understanding. 
• provides opportunities for children to actively engage in different aspects of the computing curriculum, encouraging children to question, explore and investigate using critical thinking.

A:  Aspirational, achievement for all

Our computing curriculum develops:

• an opportunity to increase their cultural capital and share an appreciation of human creativity and achievement.
• a chance to develop computing skills at whichever level they are, so that progress is made.

L:  For life-long love of learning 

Our computing curriculum: 

• develops a pleasure of computing, helping children to know computing is a hobby  that will benefit them throughout their life in all formats, including programming and digital literacy.
• signposts children and their parents/carers to embed online safety skills at home and in school.

Online Safety

An overarching theme of our computing curriculum is safety and we teach the pupils to take safety online very seriously. We aim to equip children with the knowledge needed to make the best use of the internet and technology in a safe, considered and respectful way, so they are able to reap the benefits of the online world. We incorporate the teaching of online safety throughout the year whilst also linking closely to PSHE (Jigsaw scheme), which is taught every term.