Computing 

Creating, coding, exploring and preparing for a digital future!

At Oxley Primary School, we want every child to become a confident, creative and responsible user of technology. Computing is an exciting and ever-changing part of the world around us, and we believe it is important that children develop not only the skills to use technology effectively, but also the curiosity and confidence to understand how it works.

Our Computing curriculum is based on Kapow Primary and follows a carefully planned two-year cycle, ensuring that children develop their knowledge and skills progressively throughout their time at Oxley. Through practical lessons, exciting challenges and opportunities to experiment, children learn to think logically, solve problems, create digital content and make informed choices when using technology.

Bringing Computing to Life

We believe children learn best when they have opportunities to explore, investigate and create. Our Computing lessons encourage children to become active users and creators of technology rather than simply consumers of it.

Our curriculum develops children's understanding through three important areas:

• Computer Science: Understanding how computers work, developing programming skills and using logical thinking to solve problems.

• Information Technology: Using digital tools to create, organise, present and explore information in different ways.

• Digital Literacy: Developing the knowledge and confidence to use technology safely, responsibly and effectively.

Children are encouraged to experiment with their ideas, recognise mistakes as opportunities to learn and develop the perseverance needed to overcome challenges.

Our Computing Journey

Years 1 and 2 – Discovering the Digital World

Our youngest learners begin their Computing journey by becoming familiar with computers and developing the confidence to use digital devices independently.

Children are introduced to programming through Bee-Bots, learning how to give instructions, create simple sequences and predict what will happen next. They develop their coding skills through MakeCode and begin exploring how information can be collected and organised.

They also learn how to use computers for different purposes, building the foundations for creating their own digital content.

These early experiences help children understand that computers follow instructions and that they can use technology to bring their own ideas to life.

Years 3 and 4 – Becoming Confident Coders

As children move into Lower Key Stage 2, their Computing skills become increasingly sophisticated.

Using Scratch, children develop their programming knowledge by creating sequences, exploring different commands and learning how to identify and correct errors in their code. They build upon these skills through further coding challenges, developing their logical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

Children also investigate how digital devices connect and communicate, exploring the role of networks in our everyday lives.

Through branching databases, they discover how information can be organised and searched, while digital image projects provide opportunities to express their creativity using technology.

Throughout these activities, children become more independent, learning to test their ideas, make improvements and explain their decisions.

Years 5 and 6 – Creating, Coding and Innovating

In Upper Key Stage 2, children take on more challenging Computing projects that prepare them for an increasingly digital world.

They explore programming through BBC Micro and are introduced to Python, developing a deeper understanding of coding, logical thinking and how instructions can be used to control digital systems.

Children also investigate how websites, search engines, storage systems and computer hardware work, alongside developing their understanding of digital security.

Our older pupils explore spreadsheets to organise and interpret information and use a range of digital tools to plan and create multimedia projects.

By the end of Year 6, we want children to feel confident using different technologies, tackling unfamiliar challenges and applying their Computing knowledge creatively and independently.

Staying Safe in a Digital World

Online safety is an essential part of Computing at Oxley and is reinforced throughout the school year.

We recognise that technology offers wonderful opportunities for learning, creativity and communication, but we also want children to understand the importance of using it safely and responsibly.

Children learn how to protect personal information, recognise potential online risks, communicate respectfully and make sensible decisions when using digital platforms. They are encouraged to think carefully about the information they encounter online, understand the importance of their digital footprint and know where to seek help if something makes them feel uncomfortable or unsafe.

Our aim is to equip children with the knowledge, confidence and judgement they need to navigate the online world positively and responsibly.

Developing Skills for the Future

Computing provides opportunities to develop skills that reach far beyond the computer screen. Through programming, digital creation and problem-solving, children learn to think critically, work collaboratively, communicate ideas and approach challenges with resilience.

We encourage children to be imaginative, to explore different solutions and to recognise that mistakes are a valuable part of learning. Whether debugging a programme, designing digital artwork or investigating how a network operates, every challenge is an opportunity to develop confidence and independence.

Our Oxley values of ‘Be Kind’, ‘Be Brilliant’ and ‘Have an I can attitude’ are at the heart of our Computing lessons. We encourage children to be respectful digital citizens, enthusiastic learners and determined problem-solvers who are not afraid to try something new.

By the time children leave Oxley in Year 6, we want them to have developed a secure understanding of computing, alongside the practical skills and responsible attitudes needed to use technology confidently.

Above all, we want our children to leave Oxley as curious, capable and creative digital learners who are ready to embrace the opportunities and challenges of an ever-changing technological world.