Our Computing Curriculum brings the digital world into our classroom, where each and every child takes control over their own personal I-Pad allowing a truly hands on approach; that engages, enthuses and sparks wonderment whilst developing advanced problem-solving skills. Empowering children to safely operate online; whilst enjoying the thrills of coding, modelling, creating and presentational applications, all ensures their future readiness.

Computing Curriculum Intent

At Pennine Way Primary, we understand that a high-quality computing education is essential for pupils to understand modern information and communication technologies (ICT), and for them to use these skills to become safe, responsible, competent, confident and creative participants of an increasingly digital world. The aim of the computing curriculum is to inspire pupils to continue to learn and apply the skills and knowledge that they have learnt at school and to use them as a foundation for the future. 

Computing Curriculum Implementation

The majority of our computing curriculum will delivered through a scheme called Purple Mash in KS1 & KS2 and Mini Mash in Early Years. It is an award-winning website, packed with creative tools, educational games and themed resources that has everything the children need to access the computing curriculum in one secure place. It has been tailored to meet the specific needs of our pupils and deliver the full curriculum in a fun and progressive way.

Each year will build progressively on the previous year with regards to programming skills and use of technological vocabulary. Children will build upon a basis of knowledge by using a variety of ever increasingly complex programmes and apps year upon year. As well as coding, other fundamental skills will be taught and built upon from the basics of word processing and basic internet use in Year 1 to more advanced concepts of networking and cryptography in Years 5 and 6. Internet safety will be constantly discussed and referenced during lessons as well as having a block of dedicated lessons every other year. An Internet safety team will also be created each year to continue to assess and maintain online safety throughout the year via both assemblies and drop in sessions.  There will be regular contact with parents regarding responsible use of technology with drop in sessions, assemblies and regular reminders via social media. 

Along with the use of Purple Mash in specific computing lessons the children also have access to a wealth of technology at Pennine Way – especially the use of iPads. Each year group is expected to teach progressive iPad and computer competency skills and technology is encouraged to be used in day to day teaching and learning. We want children to leave Pennine Way being confident, knowledgeable, well-rounded and above all safe users of technology and we believe that our computing curriculum is designed with this is mind.

Computing Curriculum Map

Our Curriculum Map for Computing gives an overview of what is taught in each year group and in which half term it will be taught. There will be at least one specific Purple Mash Computing study taught each term as well as daily Computing skills being developed through use of iPads.

Computing Curriculum Skills and Critical Content

At Pennine Way we know that children are more engaged online than they’ve ever been before. Ownership of smart devices is increasing and the range of content they are viewing is always expanding. In an ever-changing world, ensuring pupils’ online safety has never been more important. As a result of this our Purple Mash computing curriculum has been built around a solid foundation of online safety lessons. Each age group has a block of specific online teaching lessons every year. This is backed up with teachers discussing and revisiting key aspects of online safety at the beginning of every other lesson. 

Coding is also an increasingly important aspect of the world we live in today as well as a vital cog in the computing curriculum. Making children aware of the role computing code plays in much of the technology that they use and giving them the skills to explore writing and coding themselves we believe is vital in setting them up for both future careers and their further learning. Due to this each age group gets a block of coding each year which aims to progress the skills of the children.

To give the children as broad a range as possible of what computing entails and to develop and instill the skills the children need, we have then selected various different blocks of learning. These range from basic computing skills of using spreadsheets, sending emails, searching effectively to more advanced skills like making music, digital art, creating animations, 3D modelling and creating games.