Computing
Overview
The computing curriculum is carefully sequenced to provide a coherent subject scheme that develops children’s knowledge, skills and understanding of computing over time. Using the Teach Computing Curriculum, learning is structured to ensure clear progression in both subject knowledge and key skills across the primary phase.
The curriculum is organised into key strands:
- Computing systems and networks
- Programming
- Data and information
- Creating media
These strands are revisited throughout each year group, enabling children to build on prior learning and develop increasingly complex understanding over time. The curriculum ensures that children develop the knowledge and skills required by the National Curriculum, including computational thinking, problem solving and digital literacy .
Children are taught to understand how digital systems work, how information is represented and processed, and how to create programs and digital content. Alongside this, there is a strong emphasis on online safety and responsible use of technology, ensuring children are prepared for an increasingly digital world.
Key Stage 1
In Key Stage 1, children begin by developing an understanding of technology and how it is used in everyday life.
Children learn to:
- Recognise and use a range of digital devices
- Understand basic concepts of algorithms and programming
- Create simple digital content, including images, text and music
- Organise and present data in simple ways
Through units such as:
- Technology around us
- Digital painting and writing
- Moving a robot and programming animations
children begin to understand how instructions are created and followed, and how technology can be used to create and communicate ideas .
Learning is practical and engaging, with a focus on exploration and building confidence.
Lower Key Stage 2
In Lower Key Stage 2, children build on their understanding and begin to develop greater control and independence in their use of technology.
Children learn to:
- Design, write and debug simple programs
- Understand how data is collected, organised and used
- Create and edit digital media, including images, audio and presentations
- Understand how networks and the internet function
They begin to develop key concepts such as:
- Algorithms and logical reasoning
- Data handling and representation
- Digital communication and collaboration
Children are encouraged to apply their knowledge to solve problems and explain how their programs and systems work.
Upper Key Stage 2
In Upper Key Stage 2, children deepen their understanding and apply their skills with increasing independence and complexity.
They learn to:
- Design and create more complex programs, including the use of variables and repetition
- Analyse problems and develop solutions using computational thinking
- Understand how data is used in real-world contexts
- Evaluate digital content and systems
Children develop a deeper understanding of:
- Networks and the internet, including how information is shared
- Cyber safety and digital responsibility
- The impact of technology on society
They are encouraged to:
- Refine and improve their work
- Use a range of tools and software effectively
- Apply their skills across different contexts
By the end of Key Stage 2, children are confident, capable users and creators of digital technology.
Implementation
Computing is taught through the Teach Computing Curriculum, developed by the National Centre for Computing Education and supported by the Department for Education.
Lessons are:
- Carefully sequenced to build knowledge and skills over time
- Structured into units, each broken down into progressive lessons
- Designed to develop both theoretical understanding and practical application
Teaching includes:
- Hands-on programming and digital creation tasks
- Opportunities to explore and use a range of digital tools
- Explicit teaching of key computing concepts and vocabulary
- Regular revisiting and consolidation of prior learning
The curriculum follows a clear progression model, ensuring that each year builds on previous learning and prepares children for the next stage.
Impact
By the time children leave St Paul’s, they have developed:
- Secure understanding of key computing concepts
- The ability to design, create and evaluate programs
- Confidence in using technology safely and responsibly
- Strong problem-solving and logical thinking skills
Children can:
- Apply computational thinking to solve problems
- Use a range of digital tools effectively
- Understand how technology works and its role in the world
- Stay safe and responsible online
Children show clear progression over time, developing from early exploration of technology to becoming confident, capable and responsible digital learners.
Most importantly, children are prepared for life in an increasingly digital world and are equipped with the skills needed for the next stage of their education.