Computing at St Michael’s CE Primary School

Intent

At St Michael’s, we are committed to equipping our pupils with the knowledge and skills they need to flourish in an ever-evolving digital world. Rooted in our Christian values of resilience, aspiration, and responsibility, our Computing curriculum provides a carefully planned and progressive learning journey from Early Years to Year 6.

Our aims are to ensure that all pupils:

• Gain a secure understanding of key computing concepts, including computer science, information technology, and digital literacy

• Develop practical skills in coding, programming, problem-solving and data handling

• Understand the real-world application of digital tools and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence

• Use technology confidently and creatively to express themselves and enhance their learning across the curriculum

• Become safe, respectful, and responsible digital citizens, making informed choices online and offline

• Are prepared for the digital demands of secondary education and future workplaces

Children revisit all three strands of the Computing curriculum—Computer Science, Information Technology, and Digital Literacy—every year. This structure enables them to consolidate, deepen and apply their learning while building confidence in using technology purposefully and safely.

Online safety is a cornerstone of our computing provision, and we enhance this through school-wide events and initiatives such as Safer Internet Day, Online Safety Ambassadors, and half-termly learning linked to the Project Evolve framework.

Implementation

Computing is taught through discrete weekly lessons using the Purple Mash scheme of work, enhanced by cross-curricular opportunities and access to a wide range of devices including laptops and tablets. Lessons are designed to support progression, challenge, and purposeful learning.

Each year group follows a sequenced curriculum that includes:

• Online Safety: Topics such as online relationships, self-image, privacy, cyberbullying, and managing digital footprints are revisited throughout the year using Project Evolve, keeping safety and well-being at the forefront

• Computer Science: Pupils develop their understanding of algorithms and programming. In KS1, they explore simple coding and the purposeful use of technology. In KS2, they build on this by tackling more complex programming tasks and learning about computer networks and internet services

• Information Technology: Pupils use a range of software and applications to create, edit, and present information in different formats

• Digital Literacy: Children learn to critically evaluate digital content and communicate respectfully and responsibly online

Teachers are supported with detailed planning, adult guidance, and knowledge organisers for each unit to promote subject-specific vocabulary and clear learning objectives. Assessments are built into each unit to track progress, with end-of-unit tasks that allow pupils to showcase their skills.

Impact

Our pupils develop into confident, competent, and creative users of technology, ready to embrace a digital future with integrity and purpose. We know our Computing curriculum is having an impact when:

• Pupils enjoy computing lessons and are motivated to explore digital technology beyond the classroom

• They confidently use a range of hardware and software to create purposeful, high-quality outcomes

• They speak accurately and fluently using technical vocabulary and demonstrate a secure understanding of digital concepts

• They demonstrate resilience, collaboration, and problem-solving when working on digital projects

• They understand how to keep themselves and others safe online and apply this in real-life contexts

• They reflect the values of kindness, empathy, and courage in their digital interactions

• They leave St Michael’s as respectful digital citizens, equipped to live healthy and happy digital lives