Computing at Ashbourne Primary School

Our computing curriculum fosters curiosity, enquiry and confidence by developing the skills pupils need in an ever-changing technological world.

At Ashbourne Primary, children develop skills across all areas of computing, including information technology, programming and online safety. Computing is both taught as a discrete subject and embedded across the wider curriculum, giving pupils opportunities to apply their skills in meaningful contexts.

Pupils develop their communication skills through a range of digital tools and programs. For example, they may use stop motion animation to tell a story or create games and quizzes using Scratch to support their learning in subjects such as History and Geography.

Technology is used as a tool to engage learners, enhance learning and develop independence. Pupils are also supported to understand how to keep themselves safe in a digital world.

Curriculum Progression

Our computing curriculum is carefully planned and sequenced to ensure progression across all key stages:

• Key Stage 1 – pupils develop foundational knowledge and skills, including basic programming and an introduction to online safety
• Lower Key Stage 2 – pupils deepen their understanding and begin to design and create simple programs
• Upper Key Stage 2 – pupils build on prior learning to create more complex programs and apply their skills independently

We recognise that learning takes time and repetition. Our curriculum is designed to ensure that key knowledge and processes are embedded in pupils’ long-term memory, enabling them to apply their understanding across a range of contexts.

Linked to Our Golden Threads

Our computing curriculum supports our Golden Threads:

• Language and Literacy – pupils develop digital literacy and the vocabulary to explain processes, instructions and their thinking clearly
• Resilience and Regulation – pupils learn to debug, refine and improve their work, persevering when faced with challenges
• Belonging and Becoming – pupils develop confidence, collaborate with others and understand their role as responsible digital citizens. 

Through our computing curriculum, pupils:

• Develop confidence in using a range of digital tools and technologies
• Understand how to stay safe online
• Apply their skills across the curriculum in meaningful ways
• Think logically and solve problems effectively
• Become independent and responsible users of technology