Computing

Our Aim

At Fell Dyke, we want pupils to become confident, responsible and thoughtful users of technology. Our Computing curriculum equips children with the knowledge and skills they need to understand how digital systems work, how information is created and shared, and how technology impacts the world around them.

We aim for pupils to leave primary school able to use technology purposefully, think logically and creatively, and make safe and informed choices online. Computing also plays an important role in developing pupils’ problem-solving skills, resilience and independence — qualities that support learning across the wider curriculum and prepare pupils for life beyond primary school.

Curriculum Organisation

Computing is taught through a carefully sequenced curriculum from Early Years to Year 6. Learning is organised around the three strands of the National Curriculum:

• Computer Science – understanding algorithms, programming and how digital systems work

• Information Technology – using technology to create, organise and manipulate digital content

• Digital Literacy – understanding how to use technology safely, responsibly and respectfully

Key knowledge and skills are revisited and built upon over time so that pupils can make secure connections between prior and new learning. Lessons are practical and purposeful, giving pupils regular opportunities to apply their understanding through hands-on tasks, problem-solving and creative outcomes.

Online safety is taught explicitly and regularly, with content matched to pupils’ age and development, ensuring that expectations for safe and responsible behaviour online increase as pupils move through the school.

Knowledge, Progress and Assessment

Pupils’ progress in Computing is measured through their ability to know more, remember more and do more over time. Teachers use ongoing formative assessment, such as questioning, observation and review of pupils’ digital work, to check understanding and identify misconceptions.

Assessment focuses on pupils’ grasp of key concepts, their ability to apply knowledge independently and the quality of their outcomes. Learning builds progressively from early experiences of using technology to more complex programming, data handling and critical thinking in Upper Key Stage 2.

By the end of Year 6, pupils leave Fell Dyke able to use technology confidently and responsibly, explain how digital systems work and apply computational thinking across a range of contexts, preparing them well for the next stage of their education.