Intent

At Great Waltham Primary School, we intend to equip pupils with the computational thinking, creativity and digital literacy skills needed to understand and contribute to an increasingly technological world. Through a broad, progressive computing curriculum, children learn the principles of computer science, information technology and digital communication, developing the knowledge and skills required to become confident, responsible and safe users of technology.

We believe Computing is an essential part of the curriculum. It is taught both as a discrete subject and integrated across other areas of learning, enabling children to apply their digital skills in meaningful and purposeful contexts. Technology plays a significant role in everyday life and the future workplace. Therefore, we aim to ensure that all pupils leave Great Waltham well-prepared for the opportunities and challenges of the digital world.

Implementation

Our Computing curriculum is carefully sequenced to build knowledge and skills progressively throughout the school. Learning is organised around four key strands:

• Computing Systems and Networks
• Creating Media
• Data and Information
• Programming

Woven throughout all areas of learning is a fifth strand:

• Online Safety and Digital Citizenship

As children move through school, they progress from recognising and exploring technology in the Early Years to understanding how technology works and creating simple digital content in Key Stage 1. In Key Stage 2, pupils become increasingly independent users and creators of technology, applying computational thinking, programming skills and critical evaluation to solve problems, communicate effectively, and participate safely and responsibly in a digital world.

Computing is enriched through meaningful links across the curriculum. Children use digital tools to support writing, research and communication in English; collect, analyse and present data in Mathematics and Science; create digital artwork, animations and multimedia presentations in Art and Design; and deepen their understanding of the wider world through research in Geography and History. Programming and problem-solving activities strengthen logical reasoning and mathematical thinking, while online safety education supports Personal Development and PSHE. These opportunities help pupils recognise the relevance of Computing across different subjects and apply their skills in purposeful contexts.

Impact

The impact of our Computing curriculum is that pupils leave Great Waltham Primary School as confident, capable and responsible digital citizens. They develop a secure understanding of computer science, information technology and digital literacy, enabling them to use technology purposefully, safely and effectively.

Pupils can create and debug programs, develop digital content, solve problems using computational thinking and confidently use a range of technologies to support their learning. They demonstrate resilience, creativity and independence when approaching challenges and understand how to stay safe and behave responsibly online.

By the time they leave Great Waltham, children are well-prepared for the next stage of their education. They have the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to participate successfully in an increasingly digital society and are equipped to embrace future opportunities in a technology-rich world.

How Knowledge and Skills Build Over Time

Computing learning is designed to be progressive, with knowledge and skills carefully sequenced across each year group. Children regularly revisit and build upon prior learning, enabling them to deepen their understanding, strengthen their skills and make meaningful connections between different areas of Computing.

In the Early Years, children begin by exploring technology through play and everyday experiences, developing an awareness of digital devices and their purpose. In Key Stage 1, they learn to use technology purposefully, create simple digital content, understand basic programming concepts and recognise how to stay safe online.

As pupils move into Key Stage 2, they build on these foundations by developing their understanding of computer systems and networks, creating increasingly sophisticated digital media, collecting and analysing data, and designing, writing and debugging programs. They learn to think computationally, solve problems logically and evaluate digital content critically.

Online safety and digital citizenship are revisited throughout every year group, ensuring that children develop an age-appropriate understanding of how to use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly. This spiral approach enables pupils to retain prior learning, apply their knowledge in new contexts and become increasingly confident and capable users of technology.

Enrichment and wider opportunities

• Trips and visits
• Visitors or workshops
• Practical and real-life learning opportunities

Vocabulary Progression

How vocabulary builds

Computing vocabulary builds progressively from simple, everyday language in EYFS to more technical and subject-specific terminology in KS2. This enables pupils to develop their understanding, apply key concepts with confidence and communicate effectively using computing vocabulary.

Find out more

You can find more information about what your child will learn in each year group through our curriculum maps and knowledge organisers. If you would like further information about our Computing curriculum, please contact the school office