Computing

We aim for pupils to:

• Develop curiosity about technology and understand its uses in everyday life.
• Think logically, break problems into manageable steps and persevere when finding solutions.
• Design, write, test and improve programs.
• Use a range of digital tools to create, organise and present information.
• Understand how computer systems and networks connect people and enable information to be shared.
• Evaluate online information and recognise that digital content may be inaccurate or misleading.
• Use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly, knowing how to seek help.
• Build secure foundations for further computing study at Key Stage 3.

Computing is taught through planned lessons following the Purple Mash scheme. Learning is sequenced so that children revisit and build on previous knowledge, developing increasing confidence and independence in programming, using digital tools and understanding online safety.

Lessons combine clear explanations and teacher modelling with practical tasks, discussion and opportunities to investigate. Children learn to explain their decisions, test their ideas and improve their work.

Our teaching includes:

• Programming activities that develop understanding of algorithms, sequence, selection, repetition and variables.
• Opportunities to predict what a program will do, identify errors and debug code.
• Creative projects using tools for digital writing, images, animation, presentations and other media.
• Activities involving spreadsheets and databases to collect, organise, analyse and present information.
• Learning about computer systems, networks and the internet.
• Online safety teaching that explores privacy, respectful behaviour, reliable information and how to report concerns.
• Regular recall of key vocabulary and concepts, helping children connect new learning with what they already know.

Tasks are adapted through modelling, guided practice and appropriate support so that all pupils can participate and develop independence. Teachers check understanding through questioning, discussion and pupils’ digital work.

Online safety throughout the year
Years 1–6 follow 2BeSafe — Being Safe in a Digital World throughout the year.
EYFS children practise safe use of technology with adult guidance.

Early Years and Key Stage 1

Year group	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Nursery	Exploring familiar technology through play Using simple cause and effect toys	Following simple instructions – floor robots Exploring digital drawing with adult support	Using technology to record experiences with adult support Talking about asking an adult for help
Reception	Recognising technology at home and school Developing mouse, keyboard and touchscreen control	Sequencing instructions and exploring programmable toys Creating pictures and simple digital stories	Choosing tools to create and record learning Using devices safely and asking for help
Year 1	Introduction to PM Creative Computing Data Explorers	Creating & Following Instructions Animated Stories Coding	Technology Around Us Making Beats
Year 2	Creating Pictures Making Music Spreadsheets	Route Explorers Questioning Coding	Presenting Ideas The Internet

Key Stage 2

Year group	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Year 3	Touch Typing Email Route Planners	Spreadsheets Coding	Presentations (Microsoft, Apple & Google) Branching Databases
Year 4	Animation Unpacking Hardware & Software Sound Stories	Logo Effective Searching Coding	Composing Beats Introduction to AI
Year 5	Quizzing Databases Game Creator	Spreadsheets Coding	Word Processing (Microsoft, Apple & Google) Concept Maps
Year 6	Blogging Networks Graphing	Data Detectives Coding 3D Modelling	Spreadsheets (Microsoft, Apple & Google) Introduction to Python

At each stage, pupils develop the knowledge, skills and confidence needed for their next steps in computing.

By the end of EYFS, children will be prepared to:

• Recognise familiar technology and use simple digital tools with support.
• Follow and sequence simple instructions through practical activities and play.
• Ask a trusted adult for help if something on a screen worries them.

By the end of Key Stage 1, pupils will be prepared to:

• Understand algorithms and create, predict and debug simple programs.
• Create, organise, store and retrieve digital content.
• Recognise everyday uses of technology.
• Use technology safely and respectfully, keep personal information private and know where to seek help.

By the end of Key Stage 2, pupils will be prepared to:

• Design, write and debug programs using sequence, selection, repetition and variables.
• Explain how algorithms work and how networks support communication.
• Select digital tools to create content and organise, analyse and present data.
• Search effectively and evaluate the reliability of online information.
• Use technology responsibly, protect personal information and report concerns.

These foundations prepare pupils for further programming, digital creativity and understanding of computer systems at Key Stage 3.