Aims

At Stivichall Primary School, our computing curriculum is designed to equip all pupils with the knowledge, skills, vocabulary and confidence to thrive in an increasingly digital world. We aim to develop digitally literate learners who can use technology purposefully, safely and creatively. Through a broad and engaging curriculum, children learn to choose and evaluate appropriate digital tools, understand how computer systems work and explore new technologies in a safe and responsible way. We nurture computational thinking, logic and problem-solving, helping children become analytical, self-regulated learners with an awareness of their digital footprint. Our progressive approach ensures skills are transferable across the curriculum and future careers - many of which do not yet exist - while fostering collaboration, curiosity and the ability to confidently participate in a media-rich world.

“The computer is not a device anymore. It is an extension of your mind and your gateway to other people.” Mark Shuttleworth

Curriculum

In the Early Years, we support children in developing the foundational skills needed for computing through hands-on, play-based experiences. Although computing is not taught as a discrete subject, children begin to explore early technology through activities that link closely with the EYFS areas of learning, particularly Understanding the World and Expressive Arts and Design.

Pupils use a range of age-appropriate technology, including interactive whiteboards, tablets and programmable toys (such as Bee-Bots), to begin understanding how technology helps us in everyday life. They develop important skills such as logical thinking, problem-solving, sequencing and following instructions which support the transition into the more formal computing curriculum in Year 1.

Early online safety is also introduced in an age-appropriate way, through stories, class discussions and visual resources to help children begin to understand how to stay safe when using technology. These foundations support the development of confident, capable digital learners as they move through the school.

Computing is taught in key stage one and two through an adapted version of the ‘Teach Computing’ scheme, developed by the Raspberry Pi Foundation for the National Centre for Computing Education (NCCE). This ensures full curriculum coverage across the three strands -computer science, information technology and digital literacy - through six carefully sequenced units per year from years 1 to 6. Each year, the children explore learning related to computing systems and networks, creating media, data and information and programming.

The curriculum follows a carefully mapped structure, allowing knowledge, skills and vocabulary to build progressively and challenge our learners. Lessons are underpinned by the 12 principles of Computing Pedagogy, supporting high-quality, confident teaching. Pupils learn through a balance of individual tasks and collaborative work, using a wide range of hardware and software, including laptops, tablets, programmable devices and STEM tools. Online safety is embedded throughout the curriculum and further reinforced through whole-school initiatives such as Safer Internet Day and school visitors, our character curriculum and the OSCom pupil leadership team. Through this rich and inclusive approach, pupils engage with real-world issues like cyberbullying, digital communication and online security, ensuring they develop both the technical skills and digital awareness needed for life in a connected world.

Our computing curriculum will:

• Foster Digital Literacy: Ensure that all pupils develop the confidence and ability to navigate, evaluate and create information using a range of digital technologies.
• Cultivate Critical Thinking: Encourage pupils to analyse and question the information they encounter, promoting a culture of curiosity and innovation through problem-solving and critical thinking.
• Incorporate E-safety: Educate pupils about the importance of online safety and digital citizenship, ensuring they understand the risks associated with technology and how to use it responsibly.
• Inspire Creativity and Collaboration: Provide opportunities for pupils to work collaboratively on projects, harnessing technology to enhance creativity and to foster team-working skills in a digital environment.

Outcomes

The impact of our computing curriculum at Stivichall Primary is seen in the confidence, enthusiasm and digital competence of our pupils. Children enjoy a high-quality, engaging computing education that equips them with the skills, knowledge and language needed to thrive in secondary school and beyond. Through regular teacher assessment, progress pauses, oracy and pupil self-evaluation, teachers identify gaps, address misconceptions and tailor future learning to support all pupils effectively.

Computing work is documented in floor books, showcasing substantive knowledge, disciplinary knowledge and vocabulary, enabling pupils to revisit and embed learning into long-term memory. Pupils leave Stivichall as confident and responsible digital citizens, able to problem-solve, code, communicate digitally and stay safe online. Monitoring through learning walks, pupil voice and evidence collection ensures teaching is continually reviewed and improved. Our strong emphasis on online safety, alongside parent workshops and community involvement, supports a collaborative approach to digital literacy and prepares children for success in the modern, digital world. Computing at Stivichall Primary gives children the building blocks that enable them to pursue a wide range of interests and vocations in the next stage of their lives and ensure they are competent and safe users of ICT.

Extending learning beyond school

Children are naturally curious about the digital world around them and there are many simple ways to support their computing learning at home. From exploring basic coding to understanding how to stay safe online, everyday activities can help reinforce the skills they develop in school. Below are some easy and enjoyable ideas for families to try together.

• Talk about technology – discuss how technology is used at home and in everyday life (e.g. phones, traffic lights, tills in shops).
• Learn about online safety together read e-safety stories (like “Smartie the Penguin” for KS1) and talk about staying safe online.
• Play sequencing and logic games board games and puzzles that involve steps and strategy help develop logical thinking.
• Explore ‘how things work’ videos watch age-appropriate videos about robots, computers or apps to spark curiosity.
• Practise typing skills use free typing games like BBC Dance Mat Typing to build keyboard confidence.
• Explore coding apps and games try free tools like Scratch Jr (EYFS/KS1) or Scratch (KS2) to introduce basic programming in a fun way.
• Use educational websites BBC Bitesize and Barefoot Computing offer interactive activities to support key computing concepts.
• Create digital art let children use drawing apps to create pictures, posters or cards using tablets or computers.
• Use programmable toys (if available) Bee-Bots or other coding toys are a great hands-on way to practise simple programming at home.
• Encourage curiosity – let your child ask questions about how apps or websites work, and explore the answers together.