Computing

At our school, Computing is an essential part of preparing children for a rapidly changing digital world. We aim to develop pupils who are confident, responsible and creative users of technology, with strong foundations in computational thinking, problem-solving and digital literacy. Through engaging, hands-on learning, children learn how digital systems work, how to create and debug programs, and how to stay safe online.

Our approach

We teach Computing through a clear and progressive curriculum that builds knowledge and skills step-by-step from Early Years to Year 6. Our lessons are designed to help pupils:

• Develop computational thinking (decomposition, pattern recognition, abstraction and algorithms)
• Learn to program using age-appropriate languages and tools, creating, testing and refining their work
• Understand digital systems including networks, data and how information is stored and shared
• Create digital content such as presentations, media and digital designs with purpose and audience in mind
• Use technology safely and responsibly, understanding privacy, respectful communication and how to get help

Kapow Primary: our chosen scheme

To ensure high-quality teaching and a consistent progression of skills across the school, we follow Kapow Primary’s Computing scheme of work. This provides a carefully sequenced set of units that balance knowledge, practical application and creativity, while supporting teachers with clear guidance and resources. The scheme helps us provide:

• A coherent progression from basic digital skills to more advanced coding and data concepts
• Well-structured lessons with clear outcomes, modelling and vocabulary support
• A balanced curriculum covering programming, systems and networks, creating media and data/information
• Meaningful online safety learning, revisited regularly and taught in an age-appropriate way

How children learn in Computing

Computing lessons are practical, purposeful and often collaborative. Pupils learn through a mixture of:

• Unplugged activities (to understand key concepts without screens)
• Guided practice and exploration with devices and software
• Creating, testing and debugging, learning resilience when things don’t work first time
• Discussion and reflection, using computing vocabulary to explain choices and evaluate outcomes

Children are encouraged to see themselves not just as users of technology, but as creators and problem-solvers who can design, improve and innovate.

Inclusion, safety and confidence

We want every child to feel successful in Computing. Lessons are planned to be inclusive and accessible, with scaffolds, clear steps and opportunities for challenge. Online safety is treated as a priority, helping children build the knowledge and confidence to make safe, respectful choices when using technology—both in school and at home.