Computing

Intent

At Brightwalton C of E Primary School, we recognise that technology plays an increasingly important role in modern life. Our computing curriculum is designed to be ambitious, inclusive and forward-thinking, enabling pupils to develop the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to participate safely, responsibly and successfully in a rapidly changing digital world.

We aim to equip pupils with a strong understanding of computer science, information technology and digital literacy through a carefully sequenced curriculum which builds progressively from EYFS to Year 6. Pupils learn how digital systems work, how to create and debug programs, how to use technology purposefully and how to think critically about the digital world around them.

Technology is used meaningfully across school life to support creativity, communication, collaboration and problem-solving across the curriculum. We encourage pupils to become responsible digital citizens who can use technology safely, respectfully and thoughtfully.

Online safety is central to our computing curriculum and wider safeguarding culture. Pupils are taught how to stay safe online, protect personal information, communicate responsibly and develop healthy digital habits. As pupils move through the school, they also learn to think critically about online information, misinformation, manipulated content and emerging technologies, including AI-generated content.

We are ambitious for every pupil. All children, including pupils with SEND and disadvantaged pupils, are supported to access the full computing curriculum through adaptive teaching, scaffolding and high expectations.

Our approach reflects evidence-informed pedagogy and the principles outlined in our Teaching and Learning Manual, including:

• carefully sequenced learning
• retrieval practice to strengthen long-term memory
• explicit instruction and modelling
• opportunities for problem-solving and creativity
• purposeful vocabulary development
• adaptive teaching approaches

Implementation

Computing is taught through carefully planned units which progressively develop pupils’ understanding of:

• computer science
• programming and coding
• information technology
• digital literacy
• online safety and digital citizenship
• data and information
• digital communication

Lessons build on prior learning so that pupils develop confidence, fluency and independence over time. Pupils are taught to use technology purposefully, safely and responsibly through practical and engaging experiences.

Across the school, pupils learn to:

• understand how digital systems work
• create, test and debug programs
• use sequence, selection, repetition and variables in coding
• use a range of digital tools and technologies
• communicate and collaborate digitally
• search, evaluate and present information effectively
• think logically and solve problems
• use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly

Online safety is embedded throughout the curriculum and revisited regularly through dedicated teaching, discussion and wider safeguarding work. Pupils learn about:

• safe online communication
• privacy and personal information
• respectful online behaviour
• digital wellbeing
• recognising risk and seeking support
• evaluating online information critically

Technology is used across the wider curriculum to enhance learning and provide meaningful opportunities for creativity, research, presentation and collaboration. Additional opportunities such as digital media, film-making and creative technology projects are embraced where appropriate to enrich pupils’ experiences.

Teachers use assessment purposefully to check understanding, identify misconceptions and inform future teaching. Teaching is inclusive and adaptive so that all pupils can participate successfully and make progress from their starting points.

Impact

The impact of our computing curriculum is reflected in pupils’ confidence, knowledge and responsible use of technology.

As a result of our computing curriculum:

• pupils develop secure and progressive computing knowledge and skills
• pupils understand how to use technology safely, responsibly and respectfully
• pupils become confident users of a range of digital tools and technologies
• pupils develop logical thinking and computational problem-solving skills
• pupils think critically about online content and digital communication
• pupils use technology creatively across the curriculum
• pupils demonstrate resilience when debugging and solving problems
• pupils understand the importance of online safety, privacy and digital wellbeing
• work demonstrates progression in knowledge, vocabulary and technical skills over time
• pupils with SEND access learning successfully and make progress from their starting points

The impact of computing is also evident in pupils’ confidence when using technology independently across school life and in their readiness for the next stage of education and the wider digital world.

Leaders evaluate the effectiveness of computing through:

• review of pupils’ work and digital outcomes
• pupil discussions
• lesson visits and curriculum monitoring
• ongoing assessment
• subject leader and governor review

These processes ensure that computing remains ambitious, inclusive and responsive to the changing technological world while reflecting the values and vision of Brightwalton C of E Primary School.