Think like computing experts

Our Computing curriculum is designed to inspire pupils to become curious and explorative thinkers with a diverse knowledge of the world – in other words, to think like computing experts. The intention is for pupils to develop the confidence to question and observe places, measure and record necessary data in a variety of ways and analyse and present their findings.

The scheme aims to build an awareness of how Computing shapes lives at multiple scales and over time. The hope is to encourage pupils to become resourceful, active citizens who will have the skills to contribute to and improve the world around them.

The curriculum is designed to be both accessible and ambitious for mixed age classes, ensuring all learners’ full participation and potential achievement.

The three strands

The National curriculum organises the attainment targets for Computing under three strands:

1

Digital literacy

Recognising the opportunities and risks of the online world and develop the skills to use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly.
2

Information technology

Using technology purposefully to create, organise, store, manipulate and present digital content across a range of contexts.
3

Computer science

Developing an understanding of how digital systems work and how to design, write and debug programs to control them.

Our Computing curriculum has been structured to ensure these strands run through each unit.

These strands ensure a balanced coverage of the different aspects of Computing, supporting the development of both substantive knowledge (e.g understanding networks, algorithms and data) and disciplinary knowledge (e.g. applying skills to program, creating digital content and evaluating online information responsibly).

Personal development in Computing

SMSC

The scheme supports spiritual, moral, social and cultural development by encouraging children to:

  • Explore different perspectives.
  • Reflect on ethical issues.
  • Collaborate with others.
  • Appreciate cultural diversity through subject-specific content.

British values

Lessons promote British values (democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance) by incorporating activities that encourage debate, respect for differing opinions and an understanding of societal structures.

Cultural capital

Our Computing curriculum broadens pupils’ experiences by introducing them to influential innovators, real-world applications of technology and the ethical and social dimensions of the digital world.

It ensures they gain the knowledge and skills needed to participate confidently and responsibly in a technology-driven society.

Spiral Curriculum

Our curriculum helps ensure they gain the knowledge and skills needed to understand the world around them and engage meaningfully with science in everyday life.
  • Revisiting key concepts – pupils encounter the same ideas multiple times throughout their education, with each revisit adding more complexity.
  • Progressive depth – concepts are not just repeated but expanded upon, helping pupils to make connections and develop a richer understanding over time.
  • Knowledge retention – regular exposure to key ideas strengthens memory and prevents knowledge from being forgotten.
  • Skill development – pupils refine and apply their skills in different contexts, improving their ability to think critically and solve problems.
  • Adaptive learning – by building on prior knowledge, the curriculum meets pupils at their current level and supports all learners, including those who need extra reinforcement and those who are ready for greater challenges.

 Assessment

Formative

Our lessons include ongoing assessment opportunities, such as questioning, retrieval practice and interactive activities. These enable teachers to assess understanding in real time and adapt their teaching accordingly.

Summative

Each unit provides an Assessment quiz and Knowledge catcher, which allow teachers to measure pupils’ understanding at key points.These tools help gauge how well pupils have retained key knowledge and skills over time.

Please find useful links below

Computing – Long term plan
Computing - Long term plan
Computing – Progression of Skills & Knowledge
Computing - Progression of Skills & Knowledge

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