Computing

At St Michael’s Primary School, our computing curriculum equips children with the knowledge, creativity and digital citizenship skills they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving technological world. With a strong emphasis on online safety, computational thinking, we ensure pupils become responsible, confident and capable digital learners. Our curriculum nurtures problem-solving, collaboration and digital creativity, preparing children to use technology thoughtfully and to understand its impact on their lives, their futures and the wider world.

By the time they leave St Michael’s, pupils will have developed confidence across all areas of computing:

• Computer Science – computational thinking, problem-solving, programming and understanding digital systems
• Information Technology – using computers to store, organise, analyse and share information
• Digital Literacy – evaluating digital content, and using technology respectfully, safely and responsibly

Learning is carefully sequenced from EYFS to Year 6, with vocabulary, skills and knowledge progressing year on year. Knowledge organisers help children access and deepen learning across the curriculum.

We aim to broaden aspirations by helping children understand how digital skills lead to modern careers such as software engineering, cybersecurity, digital design, data science and programming. Through meaningful cross-curricular links—especially with maths, science and design and technology—children see how computing connects with the wider world.

St Michael’s is committed to equity and inclusion: technology enhances accessibility, supports diverse learning needs, and enables every child to participate fully. By Upper Key Stage 2, we want pupils to be confident, independent digital learners who choose the right tools, demonstrate resilience and work creatively to solve problems, collaborate, communicate and innovate.

• A carefully sequenced curriculum builds knowledge in computer science, information technology and digital literacy from EYFS to Year 6.
• Lessons include practical programming, exploration of digital systems, responsible online behaviour and critical evaluation of digital content.
• Dialogue, collaboration and precise vocabulary development are prioritised to strengthen reasoning and problem-solving.
• Knowledge organisers support retrieval, vocabulary development and secure progression of skills.
• Cross-curricular links with maths, science and design & technology highlight the usefulness of computing beyond the subject itself.

By the end of Key Stage 2, pupils:

• Can design, write and debug programmes
• Understand how digital systems work
• Use a range of software confidently and purposefully
• Make informed, safe and respectful choices online
• Communicate using accurate technical vocabulary
• Have the confidence and skills needed for KS3 and beyond

It is important in the Early Years to give children a broad, play based experience of computing in a range of contexts, including outdoor play. Children experience a wide range of technology throughout their play including: iPads, CD players, talk tins, and interactive whiteboards. They use these forms of technologies to access age appropriate software, to provide opportunities for mark making as well as supporting their imaginative play, often reenacting real life experiences both inside and outside of the classroom. Children thrive on the ability to incorporate technology into their learning and through careful planning of their continuous provision. Early Years practitioners are able to provide a number of devices for children to use competently and independently, to support child-led learning. In addition to this, technology is a fantastic tool to enable children to build confidence, control and improve language development through specific online programs. Recording devices can support children to develop their communication and language skills further as well as building simple IT skills. This is particularly useful with children who have English as an additional language or children who have communication challenges.