Intent

We have developed a Computing curriculum that aims to equip pupils at Bethany Junior School with the knowledge, skills, and understanding to thrive in an increasingly digital world. Our intent is to ensure that all pupils become confident, responsible, and creative users of technology, capable of using digital tools to express themselves, solve problems, and understand the world around them.

We believe that the following are the key skills of a good digital learner, and we aim for all our pupils to develop these:

• Understanding and applying the fundamental principles of computer science, including logic, algorithms, and data representation
• Designing, writing, and debugging programs using block-based and text-based languages
• Using technology purposefully to create, organise, store, manipulate, and retrieve digital content
• Developing digital literacy and understanding how to use technology safely, respectfully, and responsibly
• Evaluating and applying information technology to solve problems across the curriculum

To support this, we use a range of high-quality platforms and tools that are age-appropriate and aligned with the National Curriculum. These include:

• Purple Mash – for coding, publishing, and multimedia projects
• Typing Club – to develop accurate and fluent touch-typing skills
• Scratch – to introduce and deepen understanding of programming concepts
• Hour of Code – to explore coding through engaging, real-world challenges
• Microsoft Word and Excel – to build essential word processing and data handling skills

Alongside these tools, we aim to ensure that our curriculum is progressively challenging in terms of both technical knowledge and cognitive development. We have carefully planned a progression of skills and knowledge within each year group and across the whole curriculum. We have liaised with our feeder Infant school to ensure continuity and progression, avoiding repetition and building on prior learning.

We have carefully sequenced our Computing curriculum to ensure a broad and balanced experience. Pupils engage with a variety of digital tools and platforms that allow them to develop their computational thinking, creativity, and digital confidence.

We have embedded two key themes throughout our Computing curriculum:

• Digital creativity and problem-solving – using technology to design, create, and innovate
• Online safety and digital citizenship – understanding how to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly

Planning in this way enables our children to build on their prior learning, make meaningful connections across subjects, and develop a deeper understanding of how computing impacts their lives and the wider world.

 

Implementation

We adopt a practical, skills-based approach to the teaching and learning of Computing, which develops our pupils as confident, independent, and responsible digital citizens. Through structured lessons and hands-on experiences, our pupils build subject knowledge and understanding while developing their ability to think logically, solve problems, and express ideas digitally.

Our curriculum is structured around three key strands: Computer Science, Information Technology, and Digital Literacy. Each unit is designed to build on prior learning and introduce new challenges that stretch pupils’ thinking and technical ability.

In Computer Science, pupils learn to understand algorithms and programming through tools such as Scratch and Hour of Code, developing their ability to design, write, and debug programs using block-based coding.

In Information Technology, pupils use Purple Mash, Microsoft Word, and Excel to create digital content, present information, and handle data. These tools help pupils develop essential skills in word processing, data organisation, and multimedia creation.

In Digital Literacy, pupils use platforms such as Typing Club to build fluency and accuracy in keyboard skills, while also learning how to use technology safely, respectfully, and responsibly. Online safety, cyberbullying awareness, and digital wellbeing are embedded throughout the curriculum.

We use a range of teaching strategies, including guided instruction, independent exploration, and peer collaboration. Pupils are given opportunities to reflect on their learning, evaluate their outcomes, and consider how they can improve their work.

We also make use of online platforms and interactive tutorials to enhance learning, personalise instruction, and ensure that all pupils are supported and challenged appropriately.

 

Impact

For each unit of work in Computing, there are clearly articulated expectations for pupils to achieve, which we have identified as being appropriate expected outcomes. These outcomes identify both the knowledge that a pupil should have gained over the course of the unit and the skills that a pupil should have mastered in order to use technology effectively and responsibly.

In reaching judgements against these outcomes, teachers draw upon a wide range of formative assessment, including observation, discussion, digital work samples, and pupil self-assessment. We also use digital platforms to track progress and provide feedback.

We recognise that not all pupils will achieve the expected outcomes at the same time. Therefore, we have identified expected outcomes for pupils working towards the expected standard, as well as for those working at greater depth. This ensures that all pupils are supported and challenged appropriately.

The impact of our curriculum is that pupils leave our school with:

• A strong foundation in computing skills across a range of platforms and applications
• The ability to use technology creatively, purposefully, and safely
• Confidence in programming, digital content creation, and data handling
• A clear understanding of how to be responsible digital citizens
• The readiness to continue their digital learning journey in secondary school and beyond
• They are equipped not only to be users of technology but also to be creators, problem-solvers, and thoughtful participants in the digital world.