Computing

Intent:

At Martello Primary School, we believe that computing is an essential part of preparing our pupils for life in an increasingly digital world. Our aim is for every child to become a confident, creative, responsible and safe user of technology, whilst developing the knowledge and skills needed to understand how digital technology works.

Our computing curriculum is designed to develop three key areas: computer science, information technology and digital literacy. Through these areas, pupils learn how computers and networks work, how to create and use digital content, how to solve problems through programming and how to use technology safely and responsibly.

We want our pupils to see themselves as creators, not simply consumers, of technology. We therefore provide opportunities for children to explore, experiment, debug, design and create, developing computational thinking, problem-solving, creativity and resilience.

We are committed to ensuring that computing is accessible to all pupils, including those with SEND. We adapt learning, provide appropriate support and enable pupils to develop their computing skills at an appropriate level of challenge.

Implementation:

Computing is taught across the school using the Teach Computing Curriculum, which provides a carefully sequenced programme of learning from Year 1 to Year 6. The curriculum is designed by subject specialists and incorporates current pedagogical research, with resources that can be adapted to meet the needs of individual learners.

Learning is carefully sequenced so that pupils revisit and build upon previously taught knowledge and skills. Across Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2, pupils develop their understanding of:

Computer Science – algorithms, programming, debugging, computational thinking and how computers and networks work.

Information Technology – using digital tools to create, edit, organise and present content, including text, images, audio, video and data.

Digital Literacy – using technology safely, respectfully and responsibly, including understanding how to communicate and behave appropriately online.

Lessons provide pupils with opportunities to learn new skills, practise them and then apply their understanding independently. Children are encouraged to predict, test, identify errors, debug and improve their work, helping them to develop resilience and logical thinking.

Online safety is embedded throughout our computing curriculum. Pupils learn how to protect their personal information, recognise potential risks, make responsible choices online and know where to seek help when something makes them feel uncomfortable or unsafe.

Teachers use the Teach Computing resources, including lesson plans, activities and assessment opportunities, alongside their own professional judgement to adapt learning for the needs of their class.

Impact:

Our computing curriculum enables pupils to develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to participate successfully in a digital world.

By the end of Key Stage 1, pupils will have developed an understanding of simple algorithms and programming, used technology to create and organise digital content, and begun to understand how to use technology safely and respectfully.

By the end of Key Stage 2, pupils will have developed their ability to design, write and debug programs, understand networks and digital systems, use technology creatively to produce digital content, and make informed and responsible choices when using technology. These expectations reflect the aims of the National Curriculum for Computing.

We measure the impact of our computing curriculum through pupil work, questioning, discussion, observation and assessment of knowledge and skills. Pupils are encouraged to explain their thinking, apply their knowledge in new contexts and evaluate and improve their digital creations.

Most importantly, we want our pupils to leave Martello as confident, curious and responsible digital citizens who understand that technology is not only something to use, but something they can understand, create with and shape.