Computing
Computing at St.Oswald's
At St. Oswald’s, we believe that computing is an essential part of preparing our children for the future. We aim to develop confident, creative and responsible digital citizens who understand how technology works and how it can be used to solve problems, communicate ideas and explore the world around them. Through our computing curriculum, children develop the knowledge and skills needed to become safe, effective and innovative users of technology. We follow the National Curriculum for Computing, ensuring that pupils build a strong understanding of computer science, information technology and digital literacy from Early Years through to Year 6. We also place a strong emphasis on online safety, ensuring that children understand how to use technology responsibly, respectfully and safely. Through our computing curriculum, we aim to prepare children with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
Our Computing lessons provide wonderful opportunities for the children to express themselves and develop their imaginative and spiritual dimensions. They inspire creative thinking and encourage the development of skills that will prove invaluable in the real world and as such, teachers strive to present our children with the opportunities to hone their skills and use them in relevant situations. Our computing curriculum allows our children to explore, observe, engage, solve problems and make exciting discoveries. It also stimulates collaboration and interaction amongst peers and between children and their teachers. Discussing technology, its uses and the ethics associated with it, enables children to develop an understanding of the moral framework needed to use technology responsibly, reflectively and mindfully in today's world.
“A high-quality computing education equips pupils to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world.” National Curriculum 2014.
Intent
The computing curriculum at St Oswald’s not only meets the requirements of the EYFS framework and the National Curriculum, it inspires curiosity, creativity and a love of technology. It encourages children to explore how technology works, ask questions, solve problems and develop their own ideas through creating, designing and programming. Our curriculum provides opportunities for discussion, collaboration and explanation which deepen children’s understanding of computing concepts and develop their use of subject-specific vocabulary. Reading, writing and mathematical skills are enhanced throughout the computing curriculum as children learn to communicate ideas, follow algorithms, analyse information and "think and work like a computer scientist."
Early Years Foundation Stage:
Computing in EYFS is developmental rather than subject-based. Rather than teaching coding or computer skills in isolation, practitioners use technology to enrich learning across all seven areas while developing the foundations for later computing education. These foundations include confidence with digital tools, problem-solving, sequencing, logical thinking, communication, creativity, and safe, purposeful use of technology.
Children will:
- Explore technology through play
- Operate simple apps and devices
- Talk about familiar technology
- Begin to give and follow simple instructions
- Create digital pictures
- Begin to understand safe and sensible use of technology
The aims of the primary National Curriculum are 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
Our Computing curriculum is planned as a progressive, spiral curriculum from Year 1 to Year 6 meaning that the children will revisit key concepts several times, but each time with increasing difficulty and depth. EYFS develop their Computing skills through practical experience, apps like Purple Mash and carefully selected units from Kapow's Computing Curriculum.
The curriculum map can be downloaded below. For further information about what your child is studying in Computing, please visit their class page.
Implementation
Every class enjoys four Computing units per year which cover the three National Curriculum areas; computer science, information technology and digital literacy. There is also a unit dedicated to online safety in the Spring term which coincides with Safer Internet Day.
We are fortunate enough to have access to three whole class sets of iPads and additional iPads for support groups. We also have a class set of laptops which can be utilised by all year groups. Year 6 have access to their own set of chrome books which can be used both in Computing and across the curriculum.
Our Computing curriculum is implemented through the Kapow Primary Computing scheme, which provides a carefully sequenced and progressive curriculum. This forms the basis for all our computing learning but the lessons are adapted to suit our children. Other resources are used to enhance this scheme of work such as BBC Bitesize, The UK Safer Internet Centre and ProjectEVOLVE.
In EYFS, children are provided with opportunities to explore technology through play, investigation and real-life contexts. They learn to use a variety of digital devices safely and purposely developing early skills in technology, problem-solving, creativity and communication.
Computing is further enhanced through our PSHE curriculum, where online safety is embedded through dedicated units in every year group. This ensures that pupils revisit and build upon key knowledge and skills, enabling them to become safe, responsible and respectful users of technology.
Impact
Our computing curriculum aims to ensure that children:
- Are critical thinkers and make informed digital choices.
- Meet the National Curriculum expectations for computing.
- Are aware of online safety issues and handle them responsibly.
- Show clear progression of technical skills in computer science, information technology, and digital literacy.
- Use technology individually and collaboratively.
- Recognize the importance of computing in their education, careers, and personal lives.
- Understand how technology can showcase their ideas and creativity, using various software and hardware.
- Stay aware of technological developments and understand how current technologies interconnect.
Assessment
Assessment in computing is an ongoing process that informs teaching and supports pupils' progress throughout each unit. Teachers continually assess pupils' understanding during lessons, identifying and addressing misconceptions promptly to ensure that all children are able to make progress. Retrieval activities and mini quizzes at the beginning of lessons in Key Stages 1 and 2 provide opportunities to revisit prior learning, identify gaps in knowledge and reinforce key computing concepts. At the end of each unit, pupils complete an end-of-unit assessment using the Kapow Computing assessment materials. The outcomes of these assessments are used to inform future planning, identify pupils who require additional support or challenge, and ensure that all children are working towards the expected end of key stage outcomes.
Assessment information is shared with the computing subject leader, who monitors attainment and progress across the school, enabling trends to be analysed and supporting the continual development of the computing curriculum.
In EYFS, children's computing knowledge and skills are assessed through ongoing teacher observations of their play, exploration and use of technology within continuous provision, alongside observations made during planned adult-led activities and focused computing tasks. These observations are used to monitor progress and inform future learning opportunities.
In line with the School’s SEND & Inclusion Policy each child will have an equal entitlement to all aspects of the Computing curriculum and to experience the full range of creative activities. Therefore, in delivering Computing, care will be taken to ensure that a variety or learning styles are accessed and teaching methods adopted.
Curriculum Development Opportunities
Year 3- North West Computing Museum
Year 5- North West Computing Museum
Safer Internet Day- 10.2.2026, 9.2.2027
Useful Links
Scratch - Imagine, Program, Share
Computer Workshop | Northwest Computer Museum | England
Keeping Children Safe Online | NSPCC
Parents and Carers - UK Safer Internet Centre