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

Computing Vocabulary

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.