Computing

Curriculum Intent:

At Mauldeth Road Primary School, our intent is to provide every pupil with a coherent, ambitious and inclusive computing education. We recognise that technology will play an increasingly significant role in pupils’ future lives, learning and careers. Our curriculum therefore aims to develop confident, curious and resilient learners who understand how digital systems work, can think logically and creatively, and are able to select and use technology purposefully rather than simply consume it.

The curriculum follows the statutory National Curriculum for England and is carefully sequenced through the NCCE Teach Computing primary journey. Knowledge and skills build systematically from recognising technology and following instructions in the early years and Key Stage 1 to understanding networks, programming, data, communication, collaboration and physical computing by the end of Key Stage 2. Clear progression enables pupils to revisit and deepen important concepts, make connections across units and apply prior learning to increasingly complex and unfamiliar problems.

We intend pupils to become creators as well as users of technology. They are given meaningful opportunities to design programs, analyse information, solve problems and communicate ideas through a range of digital media. Computing also supports learning across the wider curriculum, helping pupils choose appropriate tools, present their understanding in imaginative ways and work with growing independence. Challenge, enjoyment, creativity and perseverance are promoted so that pupils learn to test ideas, identify errors, refine their work and view debugging as a valuable part of the learning process.

Through explicit teaching and regular discussion, pupils learn to use technology safely, respectfully, responsibly and with a healthy awareness of its impact on wellbeing. They develop age-appropriate understanding of privacy, security, copyright, online relationships, reliability of information and how to seek help when something concerns them. Teaching remains responsive to pupils’ experiences so that online safety is relevant to the digital opportunities and challenges they encounter.

Our high expectations apply to every pupil. Technology is used thoughtfully to remove barriers, widen participation and support pupils with SEND and differing starting points, while adaptations preserve the ambition of the curriculum. By the time pupils leave Mauldeth Road Primary School, we want them to be responsible, competent and creative digital citizens who can explain key computing concepts, approach problems with confidence, make informed choices and use technology positively to enhance their learning and contribute to the wider world.

Curriculum Implementation:

At Mauldeth Road Primary School, our computing curriculum is implemented through a carefully sequenced programme that buidls pupils' knowledge, skills and confidence over time. Programming units are taught in a logical progression, while online safety is revisited throughout the curriculum so that pupils learn to use technology safely, responsibly and respectfully. Teachers model precised subject vocabulary and provide regular opportunities for unplugged learning, practical exploration and creative digital work. Learning is adapted to ensure that every pupil can access the curriculum without reducing ambition. Teachers assess progress through retrieval activities, observations, pupil explanations and purposeful end-of-unit outcomes.

Curriculum Impact:

The impact of our computing curriculum is seen in pupils who are confident, capable and reasonable users of technology. As they progress through the school, pupils develop secure knowledge across computer science, information technology and digital literacy, enabling them to explain key concepts, solve problems through computational thinking and create purposeful digital content. They can apply and refine their learning with increasing independence, evaluate their work and make safe, respectful and informed choices online. By the end of Key Stage 2, pupils are well prepared for the next stage of their education and for life in an increasingly digital world.

The Teach Computing Curriculum journey: