Computing

Curriculum Intent

The Computing curriculum at Biggin Hill Primary is designed to equip children with the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to participate confidently and safely in an increasingly digital world. Through a progressive journey that begins with familiar digital tools and develops towards more complex concepts such as programming, systems and networks, children broaden their understanding of technology and its role in everyday life. The curriculum develops the three core strands of computer science, information technology and digital literacy, enabling children to understand how digital systems work, create digital content and use technology purposefully and responsibly. By fostering computational thinking, creativity and digital citizenship, the curriculum prepares pupils for future learning and active participation in modern society.

Implementation

At Biggin Hill Primary School, Computing is taught as discrete lessons every other half term. Computing is implemented through a structured and progressive scheme from EYFS to Year 6 that ensures full National Curriculum coverage and clear progression of knowledge and skills. Learning is organised into five key areas—computing systems and networks, programming, creating media, data handling and online safety—which are revisited and developed in increasing depth over time. Lessons combine unplugged and digital activities, independent and collaborative tasks, and meaningful cross-curricular links, allowing children to apply computing skills in varied contexts.

Covering these five areas teaches pupils to create programs, systems, and a range of content while encouraging the children to express themselves and develop their ideas safely. There is an emphasis on how what is learnt can be used in a future working environment.

Impact

The impact of the Computing curriculum is reflected in children’s growing confidence, competence and independence in using technology. Over time, pupils develop secure understanding of digital systems, programming and information handling, alongside the ability to create digital content and solve problems using computational thinking. Children demonstrate responsible online behaviour and an awareness of safety and ethical considerations when using technology. By the end of primary school, pupils meet National Curriculum expectations and are prepared for the next stage of education as capable, informed and responsible digital citizens who can apply their computing skills across subjects and real-world contexts.

Online Safety

Online safety sits within the Digital Literacy strand of the curriculum. Online Safety is now statutory to teach pupils since the introduction of the new statutory RSE framework. Therefore, Online Safety is an important part of our curriculum and is an ongoing theme throughout the year across the whole school. Online Safety lessons are taught explicitly every half term, from the Kapow scheme of work, as well as being interwoven throughout our PSHE (SCARF) learning. We have chosen this approach to allow our children to continuously build their knowledge throughout the school year. In addition to this, we also celebrate national events, such as Safer Internet Day, each year across the school.