Across the Black Country Federation, we recognise that computing plays a vital role in preparing children for life in a digital world. Technology is part of everyday life, and our aim is to ensure pupils use it confidently, safely and creatively.

Our computing curriculum is delivered through Purple Mash and is designed to help pupils develop:

• Digital literacy, enabling them to use technology effectively for learning, creativity and communication.
• Computational thinking, including problem-solving, logical reasoning and recognising patterns.
• Programming skills, understanding how algorithms work and how to write and debug code.
• Responsible digital citizenship, including online safety, cyber awareness and digital wellbeing.
• Secure understanding through regular retrieval and revisiting of key concepts.

We want every child to leave primary school as a confident and responsible user of technology, ready for the next stage of their education.

Computing in EYFS: Early Digital Foundations

In the Early Years Foundation Stage, computing is introduced through the areas of Understanding the World and Expressive Arts and Design.

Children begin by:

• Exploring simple forms of technology such as tablets, interactive whiteboards and programmable toys.
• Learning about cause and effect by pressing buttons, swiping screens and observing outcomes.
• Developing early problem-solving skills through digital games and interactive stories.
• Talking about how to use technology safely and responsibly.

Through both structured activities and child-initiated exploration, pupils:

• Use programmable toys such as Bee-Bots to develop early sequencing skills.
• Create simple digital artwork using touchscreen devices.
• Learn about technology they see in everyday life, such as phones and computers.
• Discuss online safety through stories and age-appropriate discussions.

This early experience builds the foundations for more structured computing learning in Key Stage 1 and beyond.

A Structured and Progressive Curriculum

We follow the Teach Computing scheme, which provides a clear progression of knowledge and skills from Year 1 to Year 6. The curriculum is organised into three main strands:

• Computer Science – algorithms, coding and debugging.
• Information Technology – using software to create, organise and present information.
• Digital Literacy – understanding online safety and responsible use of technology.

What a Computing Lesson Looks Like

Computing lessons follow a clear structure to support understanding and independence.

1. Activating Prior Knowledge
   Pupils revisit previous learning and key vocabulary to make links with new content.
2. Explicit Teaching and Modelling
   Teachers demonstrate new skills and concepts, providing clear examples before pupils practise independently.
3. Practical Application
   Pupils apply their learning through hands-on activities in Purple Mash, creating, testing and improving their work.
4. Discussion and Reflection
   Children explain their thinking, reflect on challenges and consider how to improve or debug their work.

This consistent approach supports confidence, problem-solving and secure understanding.

Core Areas of Learning

Computer Science

Pupils learn how to think logically and write clear instructions for a computer to follow. As they progress, they:

• Break problems into manageable steps.
• Write and debug code using Purple Mash tools.
• Use loops, conditionals and variables in more complex programs.
• Design simple games, simulations and interactive projects.

Information Technology

Children learn to use digital tools effectively and creatively. This includes:

• Word processing and publishing skills.
• Creating digital art, animations and music.
• Handling data using charts, tables and spreadsheets.

Digital Literacy

We place strong emphasis on helping pupils become responsible and informed digital citizens. Pupils learn about:

• Online privacy and protecting personal information.
• Cyberbullying and positive online behaviour.
• Evaluating the reliability of online content.
• The impact of technology on everyday life.

Together, these strands ensure pupils develop into capable and thoughtful users of technology.

Online Safety

Online safety is embedded throughout the curriculum rather than taught as a standalone topic. Pupils are taught:

• How to manage privacy settings and protect personal information.
• How to recognise and respond to inappropriate behaviour online.
• How to search safely and assess whether information is trustworthy.
• How to maintain a healthy balance between screen time and other activities.

We follow the Education for a Connected World framework to ensure online safety is taught consistently and in an age-appropriate way from EYFS to Year 6.

Making Computing Relevant

We help pupils understand how computing connects to the wider world by:

• Exploring careers in areas such as coding, cybersecurity and digital design.
• Discussing how technology influences industries including automation and artificial intelligence.
• Making links between classroom learning and real-world applications.

This helps pupils see the value and potential of computing beyond the classroom.

Assessment in Computing

Assessment in computing is practical and skill-based.

We use:

• Digital portfolios within Google Classroom to capture and review pupil work.
• Coding challenges to assess programming skills and problem-solving.
• Discussion and explanation to assess understanding.
• Online safety quizzes and conversations to check knowledge of digital risks and responsibilities.

Assessment is ongoing and informs future teaching, ensuring pupils continue to build secure knowledge and skills.

The Impact of Our Computing Curriculum

By the time pupils leave our school, they:

• Use technology confidently and appropriately.
• Apply logical thinking and coding skills to solve problems.
• Understand how to stay safe and behave responsibly online.
• Create digital content independently and creatively.

Our computing curriculum ensures that pupils are well prepared to navigate an increasingly digital world with confidence, awareness and responsibility.

Further Information

For more information, including:

• Purple Mash curriculum overviews
• Online safety guidance for parents
• Coding challenges and digital resources

Please contact our Curriculum Lead, Tom Amphlett, at
info@brockmoor.dudley.sch.uk.