Computing at Ordsall Primary School

At Ordsall Primary School, Computing is taught from Nursery through to Year 6. Our aim is for pupils to become confident, capable and responsible users of technology, with secure foundations in computational thinking, digital creativity and online safety that prepare them for the next stage of their education and for life in a digital world.

Our Computing Curriculum

Computing at Ordsall is built around two forms of knowledge:

Substantive knowledge – the facts, concepts and vocabulary pupils are taught and expected to remember in computing, including computers and digital devices, networks and the internet, algorithms and programs, data and databases, media tools, and online safety.

Disciplinary knowledge – how pupils think and work as computer scientists, including designing and debugging programs, using logical reasoning, organising and analysing data, evaluating digital content and systems, and applying safe and responsible behaviours online.

Clear progression maps set out what pupils should know, do and understand at each stage. Learning is carefully sequenced so that knowledge builds cumulatively from the Early Years through to the end of Key Stage 2, supporting long-term understanding, independence and confidence over time.

How Computing Is Taught

In the Early Years Foundation Stage, computing is embedded through play-based learning and adult-guided activities, primarily within the areas of Understanding the World and Expressive Arts and Design. Children explore technology, create simple digital content, give and follow instructions and organise information in age-appropriate ways, building early foundations for future learning.

From Years 1 to 6, Computing is taught as a discrete subject using the Teach Computing curriculum, developed by the National Centre for Computing Education. Teach Computing provides a clear and consistent structure for lessons and units, ensuring progression across all areas of the subject.

Curriculum Threads

Computing learning at Ordsall is organised around four core threads that run throughout the curriculum:

• Computing Systems and Networks – understanding what computers are, how they work, how they connect and how information is shared safely and responsibly

• Creating Media – using digital tools to create, edit and evaluate images, audio, video and webpages for different purposes

• Programming – designing, writing, testing and debugging programs using algorithms, repetition, selection and variables

• Data and Information – collecting, organising, analysing and presenting data to answer questions and represent real-world situations

These threads help pupils make connections between units, revisit prior learning and deepen their understanding as they move through school.

Progression Through Teach Computing

Computing at Ordsall follows the Teach Computing progression model, ensuring increasing challenge, independence and abstraction:

• Early Years – exploring technology through play, curiosity and real-world experiences

• Key Stage 1 – developing foundational understanding of technology, algorithms and data

• Lower Key Stage 2 – building structured programming, networks and data handling

• Upper Key Stage 2 – applying computing concepts independently, including variables, databases and collaborative systems

Key knowledge and skills are revisited regularly so pupils can strengthen understanding and recall over time.

Thinking and Working Like Computer Scientists

Pupils are taught to think like computer scientists through regular opportunities to:

• break problems into steps and create algorithms

• predict, test and debug programs

• use logical reasoning to explain outcomes

• organise, analyse and interpret data

• evaluate digital systems and content

• apply safe, responsible and ethical behaviours online

Key vocabulary and concepts are taught explicitly and revisited frequently to support secure learning.

Inclusion and Impact

We are committed to ensuring that all pupils can access and succeed in Computing. Lessons include modelling, scaffolding, repetition and practical exploration to support all learners without lowering expectations.

The impact of our Computing curriculum is seen in pupils’ confidence with technology, their ability to think logically and creatively, their understanding of how digital systems work, and their safe and responsible use of technology both in and beyond school.