Computing
Intent
At New Close, we believe Computing is an essential part of the curriculum—a subject that not only stands alone but is also an integral part of all learning. Computing is a significant part of everyday life, and we aim to position our pupils at the forefront of understanding new technologies: how to use them effectively, adapt them for their own needs, and navigate the evolving digital landscape responsibly.
Through the Kapow Primary Computing scheme, we aim to instil a sense of enjoyment and curiosity around using technology, fostering an appreciation for its capabilities and the opportunities it provides to create, manage, organize, and collaborate. "Tinkering" with software and programs is a cornerstone of our approach, developing pupils’ confidence and adaptability when encountering new technologies.
Our curriculum ensures that pupils not only become digitally competent and equipped with a range of transferable skills suitable for future workplaces but also grow as responsible online citizens. It aligns with the National Curriculum's Key Stage Attainment targets and meets the objectives of the DfE’s Education for a Connected World framework.
By embedding Computing across the curriculum, we provide a wealth of learning opportunities that promote creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Pupils learn to navigate copyright issues, discern online information, and use technology healthily and safely. Through this holistic approach, our students are prepared not only for academic success but also for their broader roles in a connected, digital world.
Implementation
At New Close, our Computing curriculum, delivered through the Kapow Primary scheme, is structured around five key areas, providing a clear and progressive path for pupils to develop their computing knowledge and skills through revisiting and building on prior learning. These areas include:
- Computer systems and networks
- Programming
- Creating media
- Data handling
- Online safety
This approach ensures a broad and balanced coverage of the National Curriculum requirements. Our ‘Skills Showcase’ units provide pupils with opportunities to apply and refine transferable skills, fostering their ability to integrate computing knowledge into other contexts. Where meaningful, units are designed to connect with other subjects, such as science, art, and music, enabling authentic cross-curricular learning and the development of a wide range of skills.
Lessons at New Close incorporate diverse teaching strategies, including independent tasks, paired and group work, as well as a mix of unplugged and digital activities. This variety ensures that lessons are engaging and cater to pupils’ individual learning styles. Differentiated guidance is embedded in every lesson, ensuring all pupils can access the curriculum and providing opportunities to stretch and challenge their learning when needed. Knowledge organisers for each unit help pupils build a strong foundation of factual knowledge by encouraging recall of key vocabulary and concepts.
We recognize that strong subject knowledge is crucial for effective teaching. To support our staff, each unit includes teacher videos designed to enhance subject knowledge and provide continuous professional development (CPD). Additional CPD opportunities are available through webinars led by Computing subject specialists. We understand that not all teachers may feel confident delivering the Computing curriculum, so our resources are designed to offer comprehensive support, enabling all teachers to deliver high-quality lessons that ensure pupil progression.
At New Close Primary, we are committed to fostering a robust and inclusive Computing curriculum that equips our pupils with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
Impact
We believe that finding the right balance with technology is key to both effective education and a healthy lifestyle. Through our implementation of the Kapow Primary Computing scheme, we aim to equip pupils with the skills, knowledge, and understanding to thrive in an increasingly digital world while maintaining this balance.
Our curriculum encourages regular discussions between staff and pupils to reflect on the role of technology in their lives and develop healthy habits that they can carry forward into the next stages of education and beyond. Pupils learn to critically assess their use of technology, understanding how to make informed and appropriate choices while balancing screen time with offline activities.
The impact of our Computing curriculum is evident in the way pupils showcase, share, celebrate, and publish their work, demonstrating creativity and collaboration through the use of various software and hardware tools. Progress is monitored through formative and summative assessments, including quizzes, knowledge catchers, and evidence stored digitally on our servers. Observations of learning and pupils’ ability to articulate their understanding further reinforce the effectiveness of our approach.
By the time they leave New Close Primary School, pupils will:
- Be critical thinkers, capable of making informed digital choices.
- Understand the significant role computing plays in education, work, and daily life.
- Know how to balance their time with technology to maintain a healthy and appropriate lifestyle.
- Showcase their creativity and practical skills using diverse technological tools.
- Demonstrate clear progression across computer science, information technology, and digital literacy.
- Work effectively both independently and collaboratively using technology.
- Be well-versed in online safety and confident in addressing challenges responsibly.
- Possess an awareness of technological advancements and an understanding of how technologies interact.
Ultimately, our pupils will leave us not only meeting the end-of-Key-Stage expectations but also as digitally literate, responsible, and confident learners ready to excel in their secondary education and actively participate in the digital world.
Click here to see all our Curriculum policies, including our Computing Policy
Click here to see all our Long Term Plans, including Computing
Click here to see all our Skills and Knowledge Progressions, including Computing
Click here to see all our Vocabulary Progessions, including Computing
