Intent 

At Hatfield Wick School: Whitelands Campus, the Computing curriculum equips students with the knowledge, skills and understanding they need to participate safely, confidently and effectively in an increasingly digital world. The curriculum is ambitious, inclusive and carefully structured, recognising that many students have SEND and/or SEMH needs and may have experienced disrupted access to technology or online risk. Learning supports students to become digitally literate, responsible and resilient users of technology, while developing practical skills that prepare them for future education, employment and everyday life. 

The curriculum is delivered using the Teach Computing Scheme of Work from the National Centre for Computing Education, ensuring national alignment, progression and high-quality subject content. Learning is sequenced to build systematically over time across the core strands of computer science, information technology and digital literacy. Students develop understanding of algorithms, programming, data, networks and systems, alongside practical application of technology for research, communication, creativity and problem-solving. 

Online safety is a core and continuous element of the Computing curriculum which is also covered within our PSHCE curriculum. Students are explicitly taught how to stay safe online, manage digital risk and understand issues such as privacy, data protection, cyberbullying, digital footprints, misinformation and responsible online behaviour. Teaching supports students to make informed choices, seek help appropriately and understand how online actions can impact themselves and others. 

The curriculum also develops transferable life skills, including logical thinking, resilience, collaboration, adaptability and independence. Students are supported to understand how computing and digital technologies are used across a wide range of careers and industries, helping them to explore potential pathways in information technology, digital media, programming, data, engineering and related fields. This supports aspiration, relevance and preparation for the next stage of education or training. 

Delivered through Hatfield Wick’s trauma-informed, strengths-based CARES framework (Compassion, Autonomy, Respect, Empathy and Support), Computing is accessible to all students without reducing ambition. Teaching approaches promote engagement, confidence and autonomy through clear routines, modelling and supported practice, ensuring students feel safe, valued and capable as digital learners. 

Implementation 

Our computing curriculum is supported using Teach Computing from the National Centre for Computing Education (NCCE). Building on this knowledge and understanding, pupils use information technology to create programs, systems and a range of content.  

Content is sequenced to:  

• Move from familiar technology to structured digital tasks  

• Prioritise safety, accessibility and confidence 

• Support pupils with SEND or interrupted learning through repetition and modelling  

It is a priority that through Computing our pupils become digitally literate and to learn how to use the internet safely and effectively. All pupils are regularly taught about online safety in line with KCSIE’s 4Cs: content, contact, conduct and commerce.  

Computing at Key Stage 2 & 3 covers the National Curriculum aims and content. Curriculum content is repeated annually and builds on prior knowledge and skills. Computing at Key Stages 2 & 3 prepares the pupils well for the Key Stage 4 study, AQA GCSE Computer Science. In an ever increasingly digital world, it is important we provide skills that our pupils’ can use confidently in life and in potential careers. 

In the future, potential pathways including NCFE IT User Skills and NCFE Interactive Media, may be an option.