Computing Lead - Mr Thorne

“The best way to predict the future is to invent it.” — Alan Kay

Our mantra:

"Empowering Digital Thinkers, Creative Makers, and Confident Problem Solvers."

Intent

• Deliver a computing curriculum that is ambitious, inclusive, and fully aligned with the National Curriculum.
• Ensure pupils become computational thinkers, confident in applying skills and safe, responsible digital citizens.
• Spiral curriculum: revisiting the same strands at increasing depth from EYFS to KS2.
• Embed cross-curricular links to show computing as an integral tool.

Implementation & Progression

Kapow Primary’s scheme is structured around five strands:

1. Computing systems & networks
2. Programming (Computer Science)
3. Creating media / digital content
4. Data handling / information
5. Online safety / digital citizenship

Each year revisits these strands with increasing complexity.

Progression

Year	Key Units / Concepts	Building on Prior Learning
EYFS	Exploring hardware, using a computer, simple data	Foundations for KS1: mouse/keyboard, classification
Y1	Bee-Bot programming, digital imagery, intro to data	Extends EYFS: sorting, basic algorithms
Y2	Scratch Jr, word processing, stop motion	Adds debugging, creative media
Y3	Email, networks, Scratch, databases	Formal intro to systems and data handling
Y4	HTML, Scratch, spreadsheets, search engines	Greater coding complexity, data and computational thinking
Y5	Micro:bit, Sonic Pi, Mars Rover (data & binary)	Extends programming to hardware and binary
Y6	Python, encryption, big data, skills showcase	Culmination: applying knowledge across strands

Assessment & Monitoring

• Formative assessment built into lessons: recap, questioning, addressing misconceptions.
• Summative assessment: quizzes for each unit.
• Records of assessments monitored by subject lead.
• Impact judged through pupil outcomes, confidence, creativity, and ability to reflect.

Impact

• Show clear progression from EYFS to Y6.
• Be confident with a range of devices and software.
• Think computationally and debug independently.
• Be discerning creators of digital media.
• Be responsible digital citizens.
• Apply computing in real-world contexts.
• Showcase learning through integrated projects.

Computing and Oracy

‘Computing at Eastover cultivates digital literacy, problem-solving skills, and creative thinking in young learners’ 

Through our Computing curriculum, pupils have opportunities to develop
their oracy skills by:

● Communicating and solving problems collaboratively in groups or pairs.
● Building on the ideas of others and using discussions to plan programming projects.
● Articulating their thoughts, processes and reasoning (e.g. when debugging).
● Explaining and justifying their decisions during problem-solving tasks.
● Presenting their final outcomes to an audience, enhancing their public speaking skills.
● Evaluating the final outcomes of peers’ work.

In computing, the Oracy Framework serves as a crucial tool for developing students' communication skills alongside their technical knowledge. Through Oracy, pupils learn to articulate their thoughts, collaborate effectively, and engage in meaningful discussions about computational concepts.  

Within the framework, emphasis is placed on speaking and listening skills, enabling students to express ideas clearly, listen attentively to others, and adapt their communication style for different purposes and audiences. Through structured activities such as group discussions, presentations, and peer feedback, primary computing integrates Oracy to nurture well-rounded, confident communicators in the digital age.