Our Curriculum Intent for Computing

At Fleet Infant School, we want to develop independent learners who are well equipped for their future; to gain the appropriate knowledge, skills and competencies, developing their confidence and capability to use digital technology throughout their lives.

Work within each year group ensures continuity and progression and supports learning in other areas of the curriculum. Children will explore programmable toys such as Beebots and learn how to use computer based programs such as Purple Mash, Word and Education City to create, organise, store, retrieve and edit digital content.

Children will learn what algorithms are, which does not always involve computers. An algorithm is a set of instructions and teachers may illustrate the idea using recipes or by getting ready for PE. Children will also be creating and debugging simple programs of their own, developing logical reasoning skills.

At Fleet Infant School, Online Safety is given high priority as part of our safeguarding curriculum. This is also an integral part of the Computing curriculum and is reiterated through termly assemblies and biannual internet safety awareness training for the whole school community.

Implementation

Computing knowledge, skills and vocabulary begins with developing an understanding of technology in the children’s immediate environment. By exploring familiar devices, systems and digital tools, children can develop their confidence and practise essential skills in meaningful contexts. This provides the foundation for introducing new learning and developing an understanding of how technology is used in everyday life.

From Year R to Year 2, learning builds upon previous experiences using the key skills, knowledge and vocabulary progression document, allowing children to develop, practise and reinforce their understanding of computing. This includes learning how to use technology safely and responsibly, developing basic digital skills and understanding how computers and other devices work. Children are introduced to programming through age-appropriate activities, developing their ability to follow and create algorithms, recognise patterns and use logical thinking. A range of resources and practical activities are used to support learning and provide opportunities for children to apply their skills across different subjects.

Children develop their understanding of computer science, information technology and digital literacy through engaging, practical experiences. They learn to use technology to create, organise and communicate information, while developing an awareness of online safety and the importance of being responsible digital citizens. Programming and problem-solving activities provide opportunities for children to develop resilience, creativity and computational thinking, with skills progressively revisited and extended throughout the Early Years and Key Stage 1.

Inclusion 

We are dedicated to inclusion, ensuring that every child has access to a computing curriculum tailored to their individual needs. By setting appropriate learning challenges that reflect the diverse needs of all students, we support their progression. To help overcome learning barriers, we provide various curriculum adaptations, such as consistent terminology, adapted computing equipment or programmes, and practical opportunities to reinforce knowledge through physical computing. As a result, all children can confidently engage with the computing curriculum at their own level.