COMPUTING
INTENT
At Smallthorne Primary Academy, our Computing curriculum equips pupils with the knowledge, skills and confidence to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital world. We believe that children should become creators, innovators and critical thinkers, capable of understanding how technology works and how it shapes modern life.
Our curriculum follows the Teach Computing programme developed by the National Centre for Computing Education (NCCE) and is fully aligned with the National Curriculum for Computing. It provides a carefully sequenced journey from EYFS through to Year 6, enabling pupils to develop secure knowledge across the three core strands of Computer Science, Information Technology and Digital Literacy.
Through our Computing curriculum, pupils learn to understand how digital systems operate, develop logical thinking and problem-solving skills, and apply technology creatively and responsibly. We ensure that all pupils — including those with SEND and those who may have limited access to technology outside school — develop the digital knowledge and skills needed for future learning, employment and participation in modern society.
Our Computing curriculum ensures pupils:
• Develop computational thinking through abstraction, logic, algorithms and programming
• Understand how computers and digital networks function
• Use technology purposefully to create, organise, store and present digital content
• Communicate and collaborate safely using digital platforms
• Understand online safety, digital responsibility and respectful online behaviour
• Recognise potential risks online and know how to protect themselves and others
• Develop creativity and problem-solving through digital tools
• Understand the wider role of technology in society and future careers
We ensure that the curriculum is ambitious, inclusive and accessible for all learners, with clear modelling, scaffolded support and progressive knowledge building.
Character & Arts Alignment
Computing plays an important role in the Smallthorne Character & Arts curriculum, supporting creativity, innovation and responsible citizenship.
Computing contributes to the five Character & Arts strands by enabling pupils to:
• Heritage – explore how technological innovation has shaped modern society and local industries
• History – understand the development of computing and digital technology over time
• Performing & Expressive Arts – create digital media including animation, presentations and multimedia projects
• Sustainability – develop awareness of responsible technology use and digital wellbeing
• Enterprise – understand the role of technology in modern workplaces and creative industries
Through Computing, pupils develop the confidence to use technology as a tool for creativity, collaboration and real-world problem solving.
IMPLEMENTATION
Our Computing curriculum is delivered through the Teach Computing Curriculum, which provides structured and progressive units across EYFS, KS1 and KS2. This ensures clear progression in knowledge, skills and vocabulary.
Curriculum Structure
The curriculum is organised into three interconnected strands:
Computer Science
• Understanding algorithms and programming
• Developing logical reasoning and problem solving
• Learning how digital systems work
Information Technology
• Creating and editing digital content
• Organising and presenting information
• Using technology to communicate ideas
Digital Literacy
• Using technology safely, respectfully and responsibly
• Understanding online behaviour and digital citizenship
• Recognising risks and managing online safety
Learning is sequenced so pupils revisit key concepts over time, strengthening understanding and long-term retention.
Teaching Approach
Lessons follow evidence-informed pedagogy and include:
• PRIMM (Predict, Run, Investigate, Modify, Make) to develop understanding of programming
• Explicit modelling and guided practice
• Opportunities for independent exploration and problem-solving
• Regular retrieval of previously taught knowledge
• Clear use of subject-specific vocabulary
Practical, hands-on learning ensures pupils develop real confidence using technology.
Pupils work with a range of digital tools including:
• desktop computers and laptops
• tablets and digital media tools
• programmable devices and coding software
• collaborative digital platforms
EYFS
In Early Years, computing skills develop through exploration of technology within continuous provision and adult-guided activities.
Children learn to:
• explore digital devices and interactive technology
• develop early logical thinking and problem-solving skills
• use technology to support storytelling, creativity and communication
• understand simple rules for using technology safely
These experiences support wider development including communication, creativity and fine motor skills.
KS1 and KS2
Across Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2, pupils develop increasingly sophisticated knowledge and skills. They learn to:
• design, write and debug simple programs
• understand how digital systems and networks work
• create digital media including images, audio, animation and video
• collect, analyse and present data using technology
• evaluate digital content and technology critically
Learning builds progressively so pupils develop increasing independence and confidence when working with technology.
Online Safety
Online safety is a central element of the Computing curriculum and is reinforced across the wider curriculum through:
• dedicated computing lessons
• PSHE learning
• assemblies and themed events such as Safer Internet Day
• clear expectations for responsible online behaviour
Pupils learn how to protect personal information, recognise online risks and respond safely to digital challenges.
Parents and carers are supported through communication and guidance to help reinforce digital safety at home.
Cross-Curricular Links
Computing enhances learning across the wider curriculum. Pupils use digital technology to support work in subjects such as:
• Maths – coding and logical reasoning
• Science – data collection and analysis
• Art – digital creativity and design
• English – presenting ideas and multimedia storytelling
Teachers are supported through professional development and high-quality resources from the National Centre for Computing Education, ensuring confident delivery of the curriculum.
IMPACT
By the end of each phase, pupils will:
• Be confident, competent and creative users of technology
• Demonstrate secure computational thinking and problem-solving skills
• Understand how digital systems and networks operate
• Create purposeful digital content using a range of tools
• Use technology safely, responsibly and respectfully
• Understand how technology influences everyday life and society
• Be prepared for the next stage of their education and future digital opportunities
Measuring Impact
The impact of the Computing curriculum is monitored through:
• review of pupil work and digital outcomes
• lesson observations and curriculum monitoring
• assessment of knowledge and skill progression
• pupil voice reflecting confidence and engagement
• evaluation of online safety awareness
Through this approach, pupils develop the digital knowledge, skills and understanding needed to participate successfully in an increasingly technological world.
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