Intent

At Edale Rise Primary and Nursery School, our Computing curriculum supports our vision to improve the life chances of every child and develop well-rounded pupils with strong moral values. We aim to instil a sense of enjoyment and appreciation for the capabilities and opportunities provided by technology in an ever-evolving digital world.

Pupils develop into responsible, respectful and safe digital citizens, equipped with a wide range of transferable digital skills. Through our curriculum, pupils gain a secure understanding of computer science, information technology and digital literacy, while exploring creative ways to manage data, organise information, design and create multimedia outcomes, and collaborate with others in line with our ‘Take Care’ approach.

Our curriculum is carefully designed to meet the expectations of the National Curriculum and is further strengthened through links with PSHE and Votes for Schools, ensuring pupils develop a strong understanding of online safety and digital responsibility.

Implementation

Computing is taught through a progressive and carefully sequenced curriculum built around three key areas:

• Computer science
• Information technology
• Digital literacy

Learning follows a spiral model, enabling pupils to revisit and build upon prior knowledge and skills with increasing depth and complexity. Pupils learn to use reasoning to understand how algorithms work, design and debug programmes, and use technology to create, organise and present information.

Lessons are practical, engaging and purposeful, providing opportunities for pupils to explore real-world applications of technology. Pupils learn about computer networks, including the internet, and how to use search technologies safely and effectively. They also develop skills in capturing, recording and editing digital content across a range of platforms.

Computing is closely linked to pupils’ wider development through a strong emphasis on online safety and digital citizenship, ensuring pupils understand how to use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly.

Teaching is inclusive and adaptive, ensuring all pupils can succeed. This includes modelling, scaffolding, structured support, visual prompts and opportunities for guided practice. Tasks are carefully adapted to provide appropriate support and challenge, enabling all pupils to develop confidence and independence in their use of technology.

Impact

Pupils develop confidence and competence in using technology across a range of contexts. They are able to apply computational thinking, create and evaluate digital content, and use technology safely and responsibly. Pupils understand the role of technology in the wider world and are equipped with the skills needed for future learning and everyday life.

Assessment is both formative and summative, enabling teachers to monitor progress, support all learners and ensure strong outcomes. Pupils are encouraged to evaluate their work and reflect on improvements, developing independence and critical thinking.

By the end of primary school, pupils will:

• Understand and apply the principles of computer science, including algorithms and programming
• Use technology to create, organise and present information effectively
• Demonstrate confidence in capturing and editing digital content
• Understand computer networks and use the internet safely and responsibly
• Show awareness of how technology is used in the wider world
• Use technology respectfully and responsibly as digital citizens
• Be well-prepared for further study in Computing at Key Stage 3