Computing

Our curriculum focuses on computational thinking, problem-solving, and using software and hardware tools for creation and innovation. We ensure all pupils have access to rich, balanced learning experiences, preparing them to use technology effectively and safely beyond the classroom. 

From EYFS to Year 6, our curriculum empowers children to understand key concepts like logic, algorithms, and data representation. Pupils gain practical experience in writing programs, solving problems, and applying information technology to evaluate and solve challenges. Throughout their learning, children use technology to communicate ideas across subjects. 

Supported by Purple Mash, our curriculum fosters curiosity and offers staff access to continuous professional development, ensuring all children acquire progressive skills and vocabulary in computing. 

Internet safety 

At Blowers Green Primary, internet safety is a top priority. Our Online Safety Policy provides clear guidance for both teachers and pupils on how to use the internet safely. Through computing and PSHE lessons, children learn how to use technology and the internet responsibly, considering how their actions, words, and behaviour impact themselves and others. Internet safety is embedded throughout the curriculum, in lessons and special events like Internet Safety Day. 

Our computing curriculum aligns with the school’s core value of Respecting each other and our world. By using high-quality resources, engaging learning units such as coding, and thoughtful planning, we aim to enhance pupils’ computing skills and knowledge

At Blowers Green Primary, our computing curriculum aims to inspire curiosity about the technology pupils encounter daily. We offer a broad and balanced curriculum, providing both support and challenge through the Purple Mash scheme, which ensures progression across three key areas: computer science, information technology, and digital literacy. 

Our curriculum is designed to build on prior learning, helping pupils develop skills in coding, data handling, multimedia creation, and digital communication. Pupils will gain confidence in navigating and manipulating technology, preparing them for future opportunities. We also emphasize responsible digital citizenship, integrating online safety into every lesson to ensure pupils understand the risks of the digital world and know how to protect themselves and others. 

Computing lessons are scheduled weekly for all pupils in Years 1-6. Teachers use unit-specific knowledge organisers to ensure key knowledge and vocabulary are consistently covered. Each lesson follows a structured approach to help transfer knowledge from working memory to long-term memory, immerse students in learning, share worked examples, and encourage collaborative and independent work. This structure ensures a progressive curriculum with regular spaced retrieval to support memory retention. 

At Blowers Green Primary, we enhance our computing curriculum by inviting specialists from within our trust to deliver annual, skill-focused sessions. For example, pupils may engage in hands-on learning with Microbits, guided by experts who bring a wealth of knowledge to further enrich students’ understanding and practical experience in technology. 

At Blowers Green, the impact of our Computing curriculum is evident in the progress children make in both their technical skills and their ability to think critically and creatively in a digital world. By the time pupils leave our school, they will be confident and competent users of technology, able to apply their computing knowledge in a range of contexts, from coding and programming to multimedia creation and data analysis. Through the use of monitoring, observations, pupil voice (conferencing and discussions about their learning) and a collation of pupil outcomes in our computing floor book, we are able to assess the impact of our computing curriculum.

The national curriculum for computing aims to ensure that all pupils: 

• understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation 
• analyse problems in computational terms, and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems. 

• evaluate and apply information technology, including new or unfamiliar technologies, analytically to solve problems 
• become responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology.

Cultural Capital encompasses the array of skills and experiences essential for children to flourish in the broader world. Our computing curriculum is more than just coding and digital literacy; it’s a gateway to a wealth of enriching experiences with cross-curricular connections both within our school community and beyond.

Enrichment Opportunities:

• Exploring the impact of technology on global cultures and communication
• Understanding the history of computing and key pioneers from diverse backgrounds
• Learning basic coding to solve real-world problems creatively
• Developing digital literacy and responsible online behaviour
• Using technology to explore different cultures, languages and environments
• Creating digital media to express ideas, stories and cultural experiences
• Visiting tech companies (e.g Thomas Dudley) or inviting professionals to speak about careers in tech
• Exploring the ethical and social issues surrounding modern technology
• Promoting online safety through ongoing conversation and dedicated curriculum