Computing

“The best way to predict the future is to invent it.”

Alan Kay

Intent

At Elmridge, our intent is to develop confident, creative and responsible digital citizens who are equipped with the knowledge and skills to thrive in an increasingly technological world. Through an ambitious and engaging curriculum, children develop a secure understanding of computer science, information technology and digital literacy, enabling them to use technology safely, purposefully and effectively.

Our computing curriculum is carefully sequenced to ensure children progressively develop the knowledge, skills and vocabulary needed to understand how digital systems work, create digital content and solve problems using computational thinking. We want pupils to recognise that technology is not only something they consume, but something they can understand, create and innovate with.

Computing at Elmridge promotes curiosity, creativity and resilience. Children are encouraged to think logically, persevere when debugging and collaborate to solve problems. Alongside developing technical knowledge, pupils learn how to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly, making informed decisions that enable them to become respectful and responsible digital citizens.

Our curriculum reflects our values of Challenge, Care and Collaboration by encouraging children to embrace new technologies with confidence, work together to solve problems and understand their responsibilities within an online community. Through high expectations and adaptive teaching, all pupils, including those with SEND, are supported to access and succeed within the full computing curriculum.

Implementation

Computing at Elmridge is taught through the Teach Computing curriculum, supported by resources from the Oak National Academy curriculum. Together, these provide a carefully sequenced, knowledge-rich programme that develops children’s understanding progressively from the Early Years through to Year 6.

The curriculum is organised around the three strands of computer science, information technology and digital literacy. Children revisit and build upon prior learning, enabling them to develop secure understanding of programming, digital systems, creating digital media and using technology purposefully across a range of contexts.

Teachers use explicit instruction, modelling and purposeful questioning to introduce new concepts and vocabulary before providing opportunities for pupils to apply their knowledge through practical tasks. Children regularly use a range of digital devices and software, enabling them to create, investigate and solve problems while developing increasing independence and confidence.

Online safety is an integral part of our computing curriculum and wider school life. Children learn how to stay safe online, protect their personal information, recognise potential risks and use technology respectfully and responsibly. These messages are reinforced regularly through computing lessons, PSHE, assemblies, newsletters and wider safeguarding opportunities to ensure pupils develop safe and positive digital habits.

Adaptive teaching strategies ensure that all pupils can access ambitious computing learning. Teachers provide appropriate scaffolds, challenge and support to enable every child to succeed whilst maintaining high expectations for all learners. Learning is further enriched through opportunities such as Digital Leaders, themed events and the purposeful use of technology across the wider curriculum.

Impact

At Elmridge, we are committed to developing confident, creative and responsible users of technology who are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed for an increasingly digital world. Through an ambitious and progressive curriculum, children develop secure computing knowledge alongside the ability to solve problems, think logically and make safe, informed choices online.

The impact of our computing curriculum can be seen through the following key outcomes:

1. Secure Digital Understanding

Building Computing Knowledge

Children develop secure understanding across computer science, information technology and digital literacy through carefully sequenced learning that builds progressively over time. They understand how digital systems work and confidently use technology for a range of purposes.

Computational Thinking

Pupils develop logical thinking by recognising patterns, decomposing problems, designing algorithms and evaluating solutions. They understand that mistakes are part of the learning process and confidently debug and improve their work.

2. Creating and Communicating Digitally

Digital Creativity

Children use a range of digital tools to create, edit and present content for different audiences and purposes. They develop increasing independence when selecting appropriate technology to communicate ideas effectively.

Computing Vocabulary

Pupils acquire and confidently use precise computing vocabulary to explain processes, discuss digital systems and justify their thinking when programming and creating digital content.

3. Responsible Digital Citizenship

Staying Safe Online

Children understand how to use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly. They recognise potential online risks, know how to seek help when needed and understand the importance of protecting themselves and others in digital environments.

Preparing for a Digital Future

By the end of Year 6, pupils leave Elmridge as confident digital citizens who can apply their computing knowledge creatively, think critically about technology and use digital tools responsibly as they move into the next stage of their education and beyond.