Technology plays an increasingly important role in everyday life. At St Nicholas Primary School, computing equips children with the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to thrive in a digital world.

Children are taught a range of computing units, including:

• coding

• databases and spreadsheets

• internet safety (e-safety)

Pupils have regular access to technology, including Chromebooks and iPads, allowing them to apply their learning in practical and meaningful ways.

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Our Computing Curriculum Aims to Enable Children To:

Understand computer science

• apply key principles such as abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation

Solve problems computationally

• analyse problems

• write and debug programs

• use logical reasoning

Use information technology effectively

• evaluate and apply a range of technologies

• use digital tools to solve real problems

Become responsible digital citizens

• use technology confidently, creatively and safely

Computing has strong links with mathematics, science and design & technology and supports children in becoming digitally literate, preparing them for future learning, work and life in a digital society.

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Key Stage 1

In Years 1 and 2, children learn to:

• understand what algorithms are

• follow precise instructions in programs

• create and debug simple programs

• predict outcomes using logical reasoning

Children also use technology to:

• create, organise and retrieve digital content

• recognise how technology is used beyond school

E-safety is taught throughout Key Stage 1. Children learn to:

• use technology safely and respectfully

• keep personal information private

• know who to talk to if something online worries them

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Key Stage 2

In Years 3–6, learning builds on earlier skills.

Children are taught to:

• design, write and debug programs for specific goals

• break problems into smaller parts

• use sequence, selection and repetition

• work with variables and inputs/outputs

• explain how algorithms work and correct errors

Children also learn about:

• computer networks and the internet

• how the World Wide Web works

• digital communication and collaboration

Pupils select and combine software across different devices to:

• collect, analyse and present data

• create digital content

• solve real-world problems

E-safety continues to be a priority, with children learning to recognise acceptable and unacceptable behaviour and how to report concerns.

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E-Safety

Online safety is a vital part of the computing curriculum.

Children learn about e-safety through:

• dedicated computing units

• assemblies

• Internet Safety Days

Our aim is for every child to:

• know how to stay safe online

• understand potential risks

• know who to speak to if they feel worried or unsure

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How Can I Support My Child with Computing?

Supervise and talk
Support and monitor your child when they are online. Encourage them to talk to you if they see anything they are unsure about.

Practise at home
Children can access Purple Mash at home, which helps reinforce learning from school. Homework may also be set using this platform.

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Useful Websites

Purple Mash
The scheme used in school for computing. Children can log in at home to practise and complete homework.

BBC Bitesize – Computing
Videos, games and activities to support computing learning at home.

• KS1: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/primary

• KS2: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/primary

Parent Zone
Advice for families about the internet, digital devices and online safety.

Thinkuknow
Clear guidance on what children should know about being online and staying safe.