Computing 

Subject Leader: Mrs A Ciasullo 

Intent 

At Netherbrook Primary School, our aim is to provide a high-quality computing education that equips pupils with computational thinking and creativity. We strive to prepare children for the evolving digital world by fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and responsible online behaviour. Our curriculum is designed to encourage children to be innovators, responsible digital citizens, and lifelong learners in an increasingly technology-driven society.

Aims of the Computing Curriculum

The primary computing curriculum at Netherbrook Primary School is designed to:

• Enable students to understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms, and data representation.

• Foster creativity by teaching students to create programs, systems, and a range of content.

• Teach students to evaluate and apply information technology to solve problems, work collaboratively, and think logically.

• Develop responsible and safe digital citizens who understand the importance of e-safety and can navigate the online world securely.

Key Areas of Focus

1. Computer Science

   • Understand basic algorithms and how they are implemented in programs.

   • Develop problem-solving skills through debugging and sequencing steps.

   • Begin understanding how networks and the internet function.

2. Information Technology

   • Use technology purposefully to create, organise, store, manipulate, and retrieve digital content.

   • Gain experience using various digital tools, such as word processors, presentation software, and multimedia tools.

3. Digital Literacy

   • Learn how to use technology safely, respectfully, and responsibly.

   • Understand the importance of privacy and managing personal data online.

   • Explore the risks of online communication and how to manage those risks.

We follow the NCCE resources to deliver our computing curriculum and ‘Project Evolve’ for our E Safety Curriculum. Both are based on the national curriculum requirements for KS1 and KS2. 

Below are the topics covered across the key stages. 

• Key Stage 1: Introduction to algorithms, basic programming (e.g., using Bee-Bots, Scratch Junior), and digital literacy skills (how to stay safe online).

• Key Stage 2: Advancing to more complex programming (Scratch, Python), understanding how networks operate, and engaging in more sophisticated IT projects (e.g., presentations, videos).

E-Safety Commitment

We prioritise the safety and well-being of our students when interacting with digital technologies. Regular lessons on internet safety, cyberbullying, and data protection are integrated into the curriculum. We also collaborate with parents to raise awareness about safe technology use at home.

We adapt Project Evolve to deliver online safety sessions which are based on The UK Council Internet Safety’s Education for a Connected World and cross referenced against our PSHE and Relationships Curriculum. Below are the strands covered in every year group, every year.