We equip pupils with the skills and understanding to use computers effectively. It helps pupils become confident, responsible users of a range of technology. Our computing curriculum is split into three strands. These are Computer Science, Information Technology and Digital Literacy.

Our curriculum is planned so that pupils can apply and consolidate their computing skills within many areas of our curriculum. These include mathematics, literacy, and science. Our PSHE curriculum also provides further opportunities to embed our digital literacy skills. We ensure our pupils understand how to be safe and responsible users of technology. This is both inside and outside of school.

The computing curriculum teaches pupils how they can keep themselves safe. This includes across a range of online and gaming platforms, including social media. Online safety is taught explicitly within computing sessions and wider curriculum activities.

We work with pupils’ families to ensure our pupils know what to do to keep safe online. We share how to deal with any problems and what they should do if they are concerned or worried.

Over the year, we split the three strands into terms. In autumn, pupils develop their understanding of computing science by learning about technology around us and how the internet works. In spring, we teach children to understand information technology through developing their skills of programming and collecting data. Finally, in summer children can apply what they have learnt through their digital literacy by creating media and programming games.

In Nursery, the pupils experience technological equipment as part of focus activities. This is also done as enhancements throughout daily provision in the classroom. The children are encouraged to use simple equipment. This is done through modelling and investigation. The equipment includes mobile phones, interactive screens and tablets. We encourage families to help develop the children’s understanding of technology. Pupils complete challenges at home which we can’t always provide at school. For example, pressing a button at a crossing to activate the change of traffic lights.

In Reception, pupils have access to a range of technology such as mobile phones, iPads and interactive screens. They use and investigate these during continuous provision. Pupils use and explore a range of age-appropriate programs with purpose and are taught how to program simple software. Pupils in Reception are introduced to online safety. They are taught simple strategies of how to keep themselves safe whilst online.

In key stage 1, pupils select and use technology purposefully and safely. Pupils build on prior learning from EYFS to develop an understanding of technology around us.

In Key Stage 2, pupils build upon their understanding of algorithms. They use these to design, write and debug programs that achieve a specific outcome. Pupils continue to use logical reasoning to overcome errors within such programs. Key Stage 2 enables pupils to develop an understanding of computer networks. This includes the internet. Using their understanding of online safety, they explore the opportunities the World Wide Web can provide us. This includes for communication and collaboration.

Our Year 4 pupils have been using software to edit pictures for a nature magazine: