Computing

Computing at Bryn St Peter’s 

Intent

At Bryn St Peter’s, our intent is to provide a high-quality, progressive Computing curriculum that equips pupils with the knowledge, skills and understanding they need to thrive in an increasingly digital world. We aim for all pupils to become confident, responsible and creative users of technology who can apply computational thinking to solve problems and express ideas.

Our curriculum:

• Meets the full requirements of the National Curriculum.
• Builds essential skills in computer science, information technology and digital literacy.
• Ensures pupils develop safe, respectful and responsible online behaviours.
• Provides clear progression from Reception to Year 6.
• Builds digital fluency that supports learning across the wider curriculum.
• Reflects our school values of responsibility, resilience, curiosity and creativity.

Purple Mash is used as our core scheme to ensure consistency, structure and high-quality resources, while allowing teachers flexibility to adapt learning to the needs of their pupils.

Implementation

Computing is taught discretely each half term using the Purple Mash scheme of work, supported by meaningful cross-curricular links. This ensures coverage of coding, digital literacy and information technology in a coherent sequence.

Teaching across the school includes:

• EYFS: play-based exploration using Purple Mash tools, programmable toys and role-play to develop early coding, problem-solving and digital creativity.
• KS1: simple coding, digital content creation, safe use of technology and basic information-handling skills.
• KS2: increasingly complex programming using variables, selection and repetition, alongside spreadsheets, databases, simulations, blogging, multimedia and research skills.

Effective implementation is supported by:

• High-quality modelling and guided practice.
• Scaffolded Purple Mash tasks with multiple levels of challenge.
• Use of laptops, iPads, Kindles and classroom interactive screens.
• Securus filtering and monitoring to ensure safe online access.
• Adaptive teaching approaches for SEND, EAL and greater depth learners, including assistive technologies where needed.
• Staff CPD delivered by the Computing Subject Leader.
• Integration of online safety throughout the curriculum.

Work is stored digitally through Purple Mash, enabling ongoing assessment, reflection and evidence of progression.

Impact

The impact of our Computing curriculum is evident in the knowledge, skills and confidence pupils demonstrate by the time they leave Year 6. Pupils:

• Understand and apply key principles of computer science.
• Use a range of devices and software confidently and purposefully.
• Solve problems using computational thinking.
• Create, edit and evaluate digital content effectively.
• Demonstrate safe, respectful and responsible behaviour online.
• Are well-prepared for the digital demands of secondary education and life beyond school.

Impact is measured through:

• Formative assessment during lessons and through Purple Mash tasks.
• Summative assessment at the end of units.
• Digital portfolios demonstrating progress over time.
• Teacher observations, questioning and discussions with pupils.
• Monitoring by the Computing Subject Leader through lesson visits, work samples and pupil voice.

Things to try at home to develop your childs (and your own!) coding skills:

• Codecademy – a great starting point to get familiar with code for free.
• Scratch – learn to program your own interactive stories, games and animations and share them around the world.
• Kids Ruby – a fun and easy way to help your child learn Ruby programming.
• The Tynker iPad app is free and offers coding puzzles and games to get you started.
• BBC Bitesize has a Computing area for KS1 and KS2, packed with films and simple explanations.
• Kodu allows children as young as 5 to code their own games. Free download (PC only).
• Try the Barclays Digital Driving Licence for a free online course to computing.

Files to Download