Subject Leader (2025-2026): Mr S Penberthy 

Intent

At St. Mary's C of E Primary Academy we want all our children in Computing to:

• Learn as much as possible about technologies and computing to ensure they leave primary school computer literate.
• Ignite curiosity in computing to such an extent that they can go on to have careers within computing and make use of computing effectively in their everyday lives, without being completely reliant on technology.
• Show humility towards others by being safe and responsible when using computers and technologies associated.  

Implementation

We place a strong emphasis on e-safety through half-termly online safety units, regular retrieval of online safety knowledge in lessons and frequent communication with parents and carers. Our curriculum teaches children the knowledge, understanding and skills they need to balance the advantages offered by IT with an awareness of appropriate online behaviour.

The Kapow Primary scheme of learning that we use at St Mary’s is designed around the three strands referred to in the National Curriculum:

• Computer science
• Information technology
• Digital literacy

Starting in the EYFS and throughout KS1 and 2, children revisit knowledge and skills in five areas related to these strands:

• Computer systems and networks
• Programming
• Creating media
• Data handling
• Online safety

The spiral nature of this curriculum ensures that prior knowledge and skills revisited to ensure retention in long-term memory.

Computing lessons incorporate the elements of our teaching and learning policy such as retrieval practice, vocabulary, explicit modelling and teaching and independent practice to ensure that children make good progress in their learning.

Impact

The impact and measure of this is to ensure that children at St Mary’s are equipped with computing skills and knowledge that will enable them to be ready for the curriculum at Key Stage 3 and for life as an adult in the wider world:

• Children will be confident users of technology, able to use it to accomplish a wide variety of goals, both at home and in school.
• Children will have a secure and comprehensive knowledge of the implications of technology and digital systems. This is important in a society where technologies and trends are rapidly evolving.
• Children will be able to apply the British values of democracy, tolerance, mutual respect, rule of law and liberty when using digital systems.