At John Wilkinson Primary School, Computing helps children explore how technology shapes their world. Through a rich, inclusive curriculum, pupils learn to use technology safely, creatively, and responsibly – developing the confidence, curiosity, and digital skills needed to thrive in an ever-changing world.

Intent

At John Wilkinson Primary School, we provide a high-quality computing education that equips pupils to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world. Our Computing Curriculum is fully inclusive for every child, regardless of their starting point or learning needs.

Computing has deep links with mathematics, science, and design and technology, offering insights into both natural and artificial systems. The core of computing is computer science, in which pupils are taught the principles of information and computation, how digital systems work, and how to apply this knowledge through programming.

Building on this foundation, pupils are equipped to use information technology to create programs, systems, and a range of digital content. Computing also ensures that pupils become digitally literate – able to use and express themselves through technology, and to develop ideas safely and creatively.

Our curriculum aligns with the National Curriculum for Computing (2014), ensuring 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, with practical experience of writing programs to solve them.
• Evaluate and apply information technology, including new or unfamiliar technologies, to solve problems effectively.
• Become responsible, competent, confident, and creative users of information and communication technology.

At John Wilkinson Primary School, we recognise the importance of preparing children for a rapidly changing digital world. Our computing curriculum empowers pupils to become safe, confident, and capable digital citizens, ready for the next stage of their education and life beyond school.

Implementation

High-quality teaching is delivered across all key stages by skilled and enthusiastic staff who receive ongoing professional development. The Computing Lead monitors subject knowledge, supports planning, and provides targeted training to ensure staff confidence and consistency in delivery.

Computing is taught through the Purple Mash scheme of work, which offers a comprehensive, progressive structure that builds knowledge and skills across the school.

Online safety is a golden thread running through every aspect of computing. Each unit and every lesson begins with a focus on how to stay safe online, ensuring that pupils continuously revisit key messages about safe, responsible, and respectful behaviour in the digital world. This learning is further reinforced through dedicated assemblies, interactive displays, and themed events such as Safer Internet Day.

Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)

In the Early Years, Computing is embedded within the area of learning Understanding the World – Technology. Children recognise that a range of technology is used at home, in school, and in the wider community. They begin to select and use technology for particular purposes, developing curiosity and awareness of its role in everyday life.

Key Stage 1

Children in Key Stage 1:

• Understand what algorithms are and how they are implemented as programs on digital devices.
• Create and debug simple programs.
• Use logical reasoning to predict the behaviour of simple programs.
• Use technology purposefully to create, organise, store, manipulate, and retrieve digital content.
• Recognise common uses of information technology beyond school.
• Use technology safely and respectfully, keeping personal information private, and know where to go for help when they have concerns.

Key Stage 2

Children in Key Stage 2:

• Design, write, and debug programs to accomplish specific goals, including controlling or simulating systems.
• Use sequence, selection, and repetition in programs, working with variables and inputs/outputs.
• Apply logical reasoning to explain algorithms and correct errors.
• Understand computer networks, including the internet, and the opportunities they offer for communication and collaboration.
• Use search technologies effectively, evaluating and discerning reliable digital content.
• Combine a variety of software and digital tools to create, analyse, and present data and information.
• Use technology safely, respectfully, and responsibly, recognising acceptable and unacceptable online behaviour and knowing how to report concerns.

Impact

At John Wilkinson Primary School, pupils develop a strong understanding of how technology can be used to create, communicate, and solve problems. They become confident, capable, and responsible users of technology who are well prepared for the demands of modern life and the next stage of their education.

By the time children leave John Wilkinson, they are:

• Able to think logically and apply computational problem-solving skills.
• Confident in using a range of digital tools and applications.
• Aware of the benefits and risks of technology, understanding how to use it safely and respectfully both in and beyond school.
• Digitally literate and equipped with the knowledge and resilience to navigate the online world securely.

Online safety is embedded throughout our computing and PSHE curriculum, and every pupil is regularly reminded how to stay safe online. This is supported by assemblies, classroom discussions, and pupil-led initiatives. Our children converse confidently about how to stay safe online and demonstrate this understanding in practice.

This strong safeguarding culture is reflected in external safeguarding audits, which recognise that pupils at Much Wenlock know how to protect themselves and others online.

Through our computing curriculum, we unlock potential and empower every child to thrive as creative, critical, and responsible digital citizens of the future.

Our Computing Long-Term Plan outlines a clear, progressive journey that equips pupils with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to use technology safely, creatively, and responsibly.

COMPUTING LTP

COMPUTING PROGRESSION