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Pakefield Primary

Pakefield Primary School Computing Curriculum

Computing at Pakefield Primary School

 

Intent

At Pakefield Primary School, we believe that a high-quality computing education is essential in today’s digital world. Our curriculum helps pupils develop computational thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills, allowing them to understand and shape the world around them. 

Computing connects closely with subjects like mathematics, science, and design technology, providing insights into both natural and artificial systems. At its core, pupils learn about computer science—how digital systems work, the principles of information and computation, and how to apply this knowledge through programming. Building on this, they use information technology to design programs, develop systems, and create a range of digital content. 

As technology becomes a bigger part of everyday life, we are passionate about ensuring that all children—and our wider community—can access and use it safely and confidently. We encourage pupils to be ambitious and apply their computing skills across different subjects and real-world experiences. Through hands-on learning and logical reasoning, our students gain confidence in experimenting with technology. 

Our goal is to equip children with the skills they need to be digitally literate citizens—able to communicate, create, and express themselves through technology. Most importantly, we inspire them to use these skills to make a positive impact on the world around them. 

 

  

The National Curriculum aims for computing aims to ensure that all pupils: 

  • can understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation 
  • can analyse problems in computational terms, and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems 
  • can evaluate and apply information technology, including new or unfamiliar technologies, analytically to solve problems 
  • are responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology. 

 

Implementation

At Pakefield Primary School, we are committed to providing high-quality computing education that equips pupils with essential digital skills. We follow the Purple Mash Computing Scheme of Work, ensuring a structured and engaging approach to learning. 

How Computing is Taught 

Computing is taught weekly using a range of technology, including computers, iPads, and other physical devices. We ensure to cover online safety termly, helping children develop safe and responsible digital habits throughout their time with us. In addition to dedicated computing lessons, pupils also use technology across the curriculum, such as presenting work or researching information online. 

Every pupil has their own Purple Mash login, which is set up when they begin at Pakefield Primary School. They learn how to organise, store, and manage their digital work responsibly—an important skill that is revisited throughout their time at school. We also enhance learning with theme days and special events, such as Safer Internet Day, reinforcing key digital skills and safety awareness. 

Computing Skills by Key Stage

Key Stage 1 

Pupils in KS1 learn the basics of computing, including: 

  • Understanding algorithms and how they work as programs. 
  • Creating and debugging simple programs. 
  • Using logical reasoning to predict how programs behave. 
  • Using technology to create, store, and manage digital content. 
  • Recognising the everyday uses of technology beyond school. 
  • Learning to use technology safely and respectfully, keeping personal information private and knowing where to seek help online. 

Key Stage 2 

In KS2, pupils build on these foundations with more advanced computing skills, including: 

  • Designing, writing, and debugging programs to solve problems and control physical systems. 
  • Using sequences, variables, and loops in programming. 
  • Understanding computer networks, including the internet and the world wide web. 
  • Learning how to search effectively, evaluate digital content, and understand how search engines rank results. 
  • Combining different software and digital tools to create programs, systems, and content. 
  • Continuing to develop online safety awareness, recognising acceptable and unacceptable behaviour, and knowing how to report concerns. 

At Pakefield Primary School, our goal is to ensure that all pupils enjoy computing, feel confident using technology, and develop the skills they need to thrive in a digital world. 

 

EYFS

Adapted from Computing at School’s EYFS Guidance 

Understanding the world: children have access to a range of technology, both working and model devices, as part of their continuous provision. 

Literacy: children have access to stories told across a range of media. They have the opportunity to sequence events in stories. 

Physical Development: children have access to a keyboard and mouse to develop their fine motor skills. 

Communication and language: children practice giving precise instructions verbally, linking to the importance of clear vocabulary and speech. 

Personal, social, and emotional development: children understand how to use technology safely and what to do if they are feeling worried or concerned when using a device. 

Expressive arts and design: children have access to painting and graphics programmes which allow them to explore technology creatively whilst working on their keyboard and mouse skills. 

Mathematics: children have the opportunity to control devices to develop their understanding of left and right and directional language. 

Computing Skills Progression

Area 

Key Stage 1 (Years 1-2) 

Key Stage 2 (Years 3-6) 

Computer Science 

Understand basic algorithms as instructions 
Create simple programs 
Use logical reasoning 
Read and interpret basic code 
Experiment with sequence 

Design complex programs 
Use sequence, selection, repetition 
Work with variables and inputs 
Advanced debugging 
Decompose complex problems 
Understand coding structures 

Information Technology 

Create and organize digital content 
Sort and retrieve digital work 
Use various media 
Understand technology in daily life 
Basic digital searching 

Use multiple software tools 
Collect and analyse data 
Create purposeful digital content 
Collaborate on digital projects 
Make informed software choices 
Understand computer networks 

Digital Literacy 

Use technology safely 
Protect personal information 
Understand basic online safety 
Know how to report concerns 
Recognize appropriate online behaviour 

Use technology responsibly 
Develop critical online thinking 
Understand internet safety 
Recognize credible sources 
Protect personal privacy 
Safe online communication 

Computing Vocabulary

Area of computing curriculum  

Year 1 and 2 

Year 3 and 4 

Year 5 

Year 6 

Computer Science 

Algorithm 

create  

command  

organise  

sequence  

software  

store  

blocks  

debug  

execute 

manipulate  

scripted  

sprite  

predict  

retrieve  

reverse  

engineer 

All of previous years plus:  

language  

input  

output  

loops  

program  

repetition  

simulation  

physical  

system  

repetition  

collaboration  

encrypted  

HTTP  

selection  

packets of data  

URL  

variables 

All of previous years plus:  

control  

decomposition 

All of previous years plus: hardware IP address 

Information Technology 

Data 

digital content  

digital devices  

computer network 

All of previous years plus: network safe  

search mode  

search technologies  

cached  

collecting data  

server software 

All of previous years plus: evaluating 

Digital Literacy 

personal information  

world wide web 

password  

private 

All of previous years plus: command  

evaluating  

digital content 

acceptable  

unacceptable behaviours 

All of previous years plus: encryption 

All of previous years plus: detect responsibility 

 

 

Curriculum Impact

At Pakefield Primary School, we want all pupils to develop a strong understanding of computing. By the end of each key stage, children are expected to learn and apply the key skills outlined in the curriculum. 

We follow the Purple Mash Computing Scheme of Work, which provides a structured and engaging approach to teaching computing. To track progress, we use assessments based on the 2014 National Curriculum to check what pupils have learned and to help teachers plan their lessons. Our Computing curriculum is reviewed every term by the subject leader to ensure it continues to meet the needs of our pupils. 

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