Impact 

At Burleyfields Primary School, children develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to use technology purposefully, creatively and responsibly. They become increasingly independent in choosing suitable digital tools, solving problems and explaining how technology works. 

Through our computing curriculum, children: 

• Apply computational thinking to break problems into smaller steps, recognise patterns and develop logical solutions. 

• Design, create, test and debug programs with increasing independence, using programming concepts appropriate to their stage of learning. 

• Use a range of hardware and software to research, organise information, handle data and create digital content. 

• Evaluate their work, identify improvements and explain the choices they have made. 

• Think critically about online information, recognising that digital content may be inaccurate, misleading or unreliable. 

• Understand how to protect personal information, communicate respectfully and seek help when something online causes concern. 

• Apply their computing skills across the curriculum and recognise the role technology plays in everyday life. 

By the end of Year 6, children have a secure foundation for computing at secondary school and the confidence to continue learning as technology develops. 

Intent 

At Burleyfields Primary School, we aim to inspire curiosity about technology and equip every child to participate confidently in an increasingly digital world. Our concept-led curriculum develops understanding across computer science, information technology and digital literacy. 

We want children to become thoughtful users and creative makers of technology. Our curriculum enables them to: 

• Understand the fundamental principles of computing, including algorithms, programming, data and how computer systems work. 

• Develop logical reasoning, perseverance and problem-solving skills through practical challenges. 

• Use digital tools to express ideas, collaborate, investigate questions and create purposeful outcomes. 

• Make informed choices about technology, selecting tools that suit a task and evaluating their effectiveness. 

• Understand the benefits, limitations and responsibilities associated with using digital technology. 

• Develop safe and respectful online habits, including an awareness of privacy, consent and digital footprints. 

• Recognise how computing connects to other subjects, everyday experiences and future opportunities. 

Implementation 

Our computing curriculum draws on Oak National Academy resources and is adapted to meet the needs of pupils at Burleyfields Primary School. Knowledge, skills and vocabulary are carefully sequenced so that children revisit key concepts and build on previous learning. 

Learning covers computer systems and networks, programming, data and information, digital media and online safety. Children use a range of hardware and software, developing transferable skills that they can apply when encountering unfamiliar technology. 

Teachers introduce concepts in manageable steps, model processes clearly and provide guided practice before children work more independently. Regular review, questioning and feedback help identify misconceptions and strengthen understanding. 

Practical activities give children opportunities to plan, create, test and improve their work. In programming, they learn to identify and correct errors, recognising debugging as a valuable part of the learning process. 

Children also apply computing skills across the curriculum, for example by recording and presenting scientific data, researching a historical question or creating digital content for a particular audience. 

Online safety is taught through weekly sessions and reinforced whenever children use technology. Children learn how to protect personal information, recognise inappropriate content or contact, and report concerns to a trusted adult. 

Teaching also explores respectful communication, permission when sharing information or images, digital footprints and the reliability of online content. Children are encouraged to consider how their actions affect others and to develop balanced habits around technology use. 

In the Early Years, purposeful play and guided exploration introduce children to technology and the thinking skills that underpin computing. Children follow and give instructions, explore sequences, identify patterns and solve practical problems. 

Appropriate digital devices and interactive resources provide opportunities to explore cause and effect, make choices and create simple outcomes. Adults model safe use and help children understand when technology can support their learning. 

Teachers assess learning through observation, discussion, practical tasks and children’s digital work. Assessment considers both the finished outcome and children’s ability to explain their thinking, apply knowledge and solve problems. 

This informs future teaching, ensuring that children receive the support and challenge needed to develop as confident, capable and responsible users of technology. 

Inclusion 

Teaching is adapted so that all children, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), can participate and make progress. Tasks are broken into clear steps, with