At Old Hall, we value Computing and believe that everyone is a technologist. A high‑quality computing education equips our pupils with the computational thinking, creativity and problem‑solving skills they need to understand and shape the world around them. Computing has strong links with mathematics, science and design technology and helps pupils make sense of both natural and digital systems.

Through the teaching of computer science, pupils learn how information is represented and processed, how digital systems work, and how to apply this knowledge through programming. As pupils build on these foundations, they use a range of technologies to create programs, systems and digital content, developing confidence and independence as learners.

Computing also ensures that all pupils become digitally literate, able to use technology safely, responsibly and effectively to express ideas, solve problems and communicate. These skills prepare children not only for the future workplace, but also to be informed, responsible and active participants in an increasingly digital world.

Intent

At Old Hall Primary School, we believe that Computing is an essential part of every child’s education and a vital life skill in an increasingly digital world. Our intent is for all pupils to enjoy Computing, develop curiosity and resilience, and become confident, responsible and safe users of technology, both in school and beyond.

We aim for pupils to leave Year 6 with a secure understanding of how computers, networks and the Internet work, alongside the ability to use technology creatively, independently and purposefully across a range of contexts and audiences. Computing at Old Hall provides pupils with the skills to think logically, solve problems and reason computationally, supporting learning across the wider curriculum.

Technology plays a pivotal role in modern life, and we recognise our responsibility to model and explicitly teach positive, safe and responsible digital behaviours. We want our pupils to be active creators rather than passive consumers, capable of expressing ideas through digital media and understanding the impact of their online actions.

Our Computing curriculum is built around the strands of:

• Coding and Computational Thinking
• Information Technology
• Computing Systems and Networks
• Online Safety

The curriculum is inclusive and supports accessibility, allowing all pupils, including those with additional needs, to engage with learning and share their understanding in meaningful and creative ways. A knowledge‑rich approach is carefully balanced with opportunities for pupils to apply skills practically, fostering confidence, independence and ambition as future digital citizens.

Implementation

At Old Hall Primary School, Computing is taught explicitly through dedicated lessons each half‑term from EYFS to Year 6. Each half‑term focuses on a key strand—Information Technology, Coding and Computational Thinking, or Computing Systems and Networks, with Online Safety embedded throughout the year using a “little and often” approach. Skills taught in Computing lessons are regularly revisited and applied across other curriculum areas.

Learning is clearly sequenced to build pupils’ substantive knowledge, disciplinary knowledge and technical vocabulary over time. Teachers explicitly link new learning to prior knowledge and provide scaffolded support and challenge to ensure progression for all pupils. Units of work are mapped carefully to meet the full requirements of the National Curriculum and demonstrate clear progression within and across year groups.

We use a combination of high‑quality, nationally recognised resources to support implementation:

• Purple Mash and Scratch are used as the core platform for much of our Information Technology teaching and supports progression in Coding and Computational Thinking through 2Code and Scratch. As their child‑friendly interface mirrors real‑world software, allowing pupils to explore authentic tools safely.

• Grammarsaurus is used primarily to deliver the Computing Systems and Networks strand, supporting pupils’ understanding of how technology works behind the scenes. Selected units are also used in KS1 to introduce coding through physical devices, helping pupils see how programs produce tangible outcomes.

• Barefoot Computing provides additional carefully chosen unplugged activities, particularly in EYFS and KS1, supporting early computational thinking without reliance on screens.

• Online Safety is delivered in line with the Education for a Connected World framework.  Key national events are used to deepen learning, with Online Bullying reinforced during Anti‑Bullying Week and Online Relationships revisited during Safer Internet Day. Online safety messages are further reinforced through PSHE lessons and whole‑school assemblies.

These complementary resources ensure full coverage of the Computing curriculum and provide a cohesive structure that aligns with our progression documents and high expectations.

Impact

The impact of the Computing curriculum at Old Hall Primary School is monitored through ongoing formative assessment, pupil outcomes and teacher evaluation. Both adults and pupils regularly reflect on learning within lessons, using questioning, retrieval activities, quizzes and practical outcomes to assess progress.

To support secure, long‑term learning, we use knowledge organisers and return to key concepts regularly through interleaving. This helps pupils deepen their understanding and confidently apply knowledge and skills in new contexts.

As a result of our curriculum, pupils:

• Develop a strong understanding of how technology works and how it connects to the wider world
• Become confident, capable users of a range of digital tools
• Apply computational thinking to solve problems logically and creatively
• Understand how to stay safe online and manage digital risks effectively
• Show positive attitudes towards learning and technology

By the end of Year 6, pupils at Old Hall Primary School are well‑prepared for the next stage of their education, equipped with essential digital skills and the confidence to participate safely and responsibly in an ever‑changing digital society.

The Digital Leader programme primarily supports teaching and learning in the classroom. As technology becomes an increasingly important part of education, both teachers and pupils need confidence in using a wide range of digital tools. Having trained “experts” in the room means teachers can focus more on learning and less on technical issues, such as logging in, managing devices or troubleshooting apps. This support encourages staff to try new technologies, knowing there is a reliable system in place to help lessons run smoothly.

Digital Leaders take on a variety of valuable responsibilities, including supporting classmates in lessons, managing and caring for devices, creating digital resources, promoting online safety and helping to update the school website or class blogs. They may also deliver demonstrations to younger pupils, support clubs, assist in assemblies or capture learning through photos and videos. By giving Digital Leaders a high profile within school life, we ensure their role is taken seriously and that the skills, confidence and leadership they develop become a memorable and meaningful part of their education.

eCadets are pupil leaders who play a key role in educating and supporting others about staying safe online. Working as digital role models, eCadets help raise awareness of online safety issues and promote responsible, respectful behaviour when using technology both in and beyond school. They are trained to understand the risks and opportunities of the digital world and are passionate about helping others navigate it safely and confidently.

The eCadet programme empowers pupils to take ownership of online safety by leading lessons, workshops and assemblies for their peers. By delivering age‑appropriate guidance to different classes, eCadets help children understand topics such as keeping personal information safe, dealing with online bullying, managing screen time and knowing what to do if something doesn’t feel right online. Learning from fellow pupils often makes these important messages more accessible, relatable and impactful.

Through their role, eCadets develop strong communication, leadership and teamwork skills while making a meaningful contribution to school life. They work closely with staff to support the school’s approach to safeguarding and digital citizenship and may also help share key messages with parents and carers. The eCadet programme ensures that online safety is not a one‑off lesson, but a shared responsibility where pupils actively help to create a safe, informed and positive digital culture across the school.