At Mayville, we believe Computing equips pupils with the knowledge and skills to understand, participate in and contribute safely to an increasingly digital world. We want pupils to become confident, creative and responsible users of technology who use computational thinking to understand and solve problems.

Our curriculum follows the Kapow Primary Computing scheme, carefully sequenced from EYFS to Year 6. Online safety is an integral part of the curriculum, so that pupils use technology safely, respectfully and critically, recognise risks and know where to seek help.

National Curriculum aims

In line with the National Curriculum, our Computing curriculum enables pupils to:

• understand and apply the fundamental principles of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation
• analyse problems in computational terms and gain practical experience of writing computer programs
• evaluate and apply information technology, including new or unfamiliar technologies, to solve problems
• become responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology.

Teaching approach

Kapow units are carefully sequenced so that pupils build on prior knowledge and apply their learning with increasing independence. Learning is organised across five interconnected areas:

Computing Systems and Networks  •  Programming  •  Creating Media  •  Data Handling  •  Online Safety

Teachers explicitly model new concepts and technical vocabulary, giving pupils opportunities to practise, apply, debug, problem-solve and explain their thinking.

EYFS

Through continuous provision and adult-guided experiences, children explore how technology works, follow and give instructions, use simple digital devices such as Bee-Bots and begin to understand how to use technology safely.

KS1 and KS2

Pupils develop increasing knowledge and independence in:

• understanding how computers, networks and digital systems work
• creating and debugging algorithms and programs, progressing from ScratchJr in KS1 to Scratch, Micro:bit and an introduction to Python in KS2
• using logical reasoning and computational thinking
• creating and editing digital media, including word processing, digital imagery, stop-motion animation, website design and HTML
• collecting, organising, representing and interpreting data, including using databases
• selecting appropriate digital tools for different purposes.

Online safety

Online safety is taught explicitly, revisited throughout the year and reinforced through PSHE and safeguarding. Learning progresses from asking trusted adults for help and understanding privacy in EYFS and KS1 to recognising misinformation, upsetting content, online advertising, app permissions, online bullying, digital wellbeing, online reputation, password security and the consequences of sharing information in KS2.

Technology across the school

We promote the use of technology throughout the school and across the curriculum. Snapshots of lessons and pupils’ work are shared on Seesaw and Google Drive, and QR codes are used to give pupils, staff and families quick access to digital learning and resources.

Inclusion

All pupils, including those with SEND and EAL, take part fully in Computing, with ambitious expectations maintained through quality first teaching. Support may include:

• modelling and visual, step-by-step support
• pre-teaching of technical vocabulary
• paired work and peer support
• adapted resources and additional scaffolding.

Challenge

Pupils are challenged to debug, adapt and improve their programs independently, apply their knowledge to new and unfamiliar problems, and explain and justify their computational thinking.

Pupils become confident, capable and responsible users of technology. By the end of Year 6, they have secure foundations in computer science, information technology and digital literacy, and can apply computational thinking, create and debug programs, use digital tools purposefully, work with data and make informed decisions online.

Pupils understand that technology offers opportunities for creativity, communication, collaboration and problem-solving, and recognise their responsibility to use it safely. They develop the resilience to identify problems and improve their work, preparing them for the next stage of their education and for life in a digital society.

Assessment

Teachers assess pupils’ knowledge and skills throughout each unit through observation, questioning and pupils’ digital work, alongside Kapow’s end-of-unit assessment, to identify misconceptions and plan next steps.

Monitoring

The subject leader monitors the quality and impact of Computing through pupil voice, learning walks, scrutiny of pupils’ digital work (including on Seesaw and Google Drive), assessment information, planning and staff discussion. They check coverage, progression and online safety from EYFS to Year 6, ensuring the curriculum meets National Curriculum expectations.

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