Computing Subject Statement

 

Perseverance – we aspire to develop resilient digital learners who understand that debugging and improving their work is an essential part of computing and has been central to the advancement of technology today. Children are encouraged to persevere when programs do not work as expected, to learn from mistakes, and to approach challenges with determination and a growth mindset.

Ambition – we celebrate creativity, logical thinking, and innovation, while encouraging children to see themselves as confident and capable computing experts. We promote high aspirations for every child, ensuring they are equipped with the skills and confidence to thrive in an increasingly digital world.

Curiosity – our computing curriculum nurtures inquisitive thinkers who question how technology works and why it matters. Children are encouraged to be safely curious whilst exploring, investigating and experimenting with digital tools, programming and data.

Kindness – we are committed to teaching computing in a safe, inclusive and supportive environment. Knowing how to behave online is at the heart of our curriculum, ensuring children learn to use technology responsibly, respectfully and safely.

 

Curriculum Intent

The Computing curriculum at St John’s is designed to inspire children to become curious, confident and reflective users and programmers of technology. Through the Kapow Primary scheme of work, children develop a broad and balanced understanding of computer science, information technology and digital literacy, in line with the National Curriculum.

Our curriculum is structured to ensure clear progression of knowledge and skills from Foundation all the way through to Year 6. Children develop both substantive knowledge, such as understanding algorithms, networks and data, and disciplinary knowledge, including programming, creating digital content and evaluating information responsibly. New learning is carefully sequenced, with opportunities to revisit, consolidate and apply knowledge across key stages to secure long-term understanding.

Digital literacy sits at the core of our curriculum. Children learn how to navigate the digital world safely, responsibly and effectively through age-appropriate online safety lessons. We aim to equip children with the awareness and critical thinking skills needed to become active, responsible citizens who can positively contribute to the digital world.

Our curriculum is both accessible and ambitious. It is designed to support teachers in delivering engaging, well-informed lessons with confidence, while ensuring that all children, regardless of their starting points, can fully participate and achieve their potential. We provide adaptive teaching and appropriate support so that all learners can access and succeed in computing, promoting collaboration, empathy and positive online behaviour.

 

Curriculum Implementation

Computing is taught weekly (or as a block of lessons over a shorter period of time), following the structured Kapow Primary scheme of work. Lessons follow a consistent structure including recap and recall activities, an attention grabber, a main learning task involving modelling and guided practice, and a wrapping-up activity to consolidate understanding.

Adaptive teaching is embedded throughout the curriculum. Each lesson includes guidance to scaffold learning, provide additional challenge or reduce cognitive load where necessary. Multi-sensory approaches, clear instructions and structured tasks ensure accessibility for all learners, including children with SEND. Opportunities for both collaborative and independent work help build confidence, resilience and independence.

Formative assessment is integral to every lesson. Teachers use questioning, observation, discussion, lesson pauses and retrieval practice to assess understanding in real time and adapt teaching accordingly.

Within each year group, a skills showcase is used to demonstrate skills covered over the course of different units – allowing for recall and retrieval of key knowledge, as well as allowing the children to explore their understanding in practical ways.

 

Curriculum Impact

The impact of our Computing curriculum is measured through ongoing formative assessment, optional summative unit assessments with careful tracking of pupil progress over time. Teachers monitor learning through questioning, retrieval activities, written outcomes, digital projects and pupil voice.

As a result of this implementation, we believe that children will develop secure knowledge and skills across computer science, information technology and digital literacy. They will demonstrate confidence in programming and creating digital content; use technology safely and responsibly (and know what to do if they recognise a danger); show resilience when problem-solving, and see themselves as capable, creative and ambitious digital learners.