Statement of Intent - Computing

At Fulwood and Cadley Primary School, we recognise that computing is an essential part of preparing children for life in an increasingly digital world. Our computing curriculum aims to develop confident, creative and responsible users of technology who understand how digital systems work and can use technology purposefully, safely and effectively.

Our curriculum is ambitious for all pupils and is carefully sequenced across our two-year rolling programme. Learning builds progressively from children's previous knowledge and experiences, allowing them to revisit important concepts and develop increasingly sophisticated knowledge and skills as they move through school.

Through our computing curriculum, children develop their understanding across the three key areas of:

• Computer Science – understanding how computers and systems work, developing computational thinking and learning to design, create and debug programmes.
• Information Technology – using technology purposefully to create, organise, store, manipulate and present digital content.
• Digital Literacy – developing the knowledge and understanding needed to use technology safely, responsibly, respectfully and confidently.

How We Teach Computing

Computing is taught through carefully sequenced units in which children build upon their prior learning.

Each unit is driven by a Big Question, providing a clear purpose for learning and encouraging children to make connections between individual lessons. Key knowledge and vocabulary are explicitly taught and revisited so that children can know more and remember more over time.

Children are given regular opportunities to apply their learning practically, solve problems, make choices and create digital outcomes. At the end of a unit, pupils use their accumulated knowledge and skills to respond to the Big Question and, where appropriate, are encouraged to make choices about how they demonstrate their understanding.

Developing Independent and Responsible Digital Learners

We want our children to become increasingly independent when using technology. They are taught to select appropriate digital tools, solve problems, learn from mistakes and use previous learning to support them when completing new challenges.

Online safety is embedded throughout our computing curriculum rather than being viewed as a standalone topic. Children learn how to keep themselves and others safe online, protect personal information, recognise potential risks, communicate respectfully and know when and how to seek help.

We aim to ensure that children leave Fulwood and Cadley not simply knowing how to use technology, but understanding how to use it safely, responsibly, creatively and effectively.