Computing at Monkfield Park:

Computing at Monkfield Park Primary School is central to developing confident, responsible and creative learners who can thrive in an increasingly digital world. Rooted in The Monkfield Way, our computing curriculum, delivered through Purple Mash, equips pupils with the knowledge, skills and understanding they need to use technology safely, purposefully and effectively. It reflects our commitment to inclusion, high expectations and preparing pupils for future learning, work and life in a digital society, while meeting the requirements of the National Curriculum for Computing.

Key Aims

• To ensure all pupils feel confident, safe and supported in using technology by teaching them the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the digital world responsibly.
• To develop pupils’ understanding of online safety, digital citizenship, communication and collaboration, so they can use technology respectfully and appropriately.
• To equip pupils with secure computational thinking skills, including logic, algorithms, decomposition and debugging, that support problem-solving across the curriculum.
• To promote creativity, independence and aspiration through opportunities to design, create, evaluate and improve digital content.
• To ensure consistent, progressive learning from Early Years through Year 6 so that gaps in technical knowledge and understanding are identified early and addressed effectively, particularly for pupils with SEND, EAL or other vulnerabilities.

Content and Skills:

Pupils will build secure, sequenced knowledge and practical skills across the following areas:

• Online safety and digital wellbeing: understanding how to stay safe online, manage personal information, recognise risks and behave responsibly in digital spaces.
• Programming and computational thinking: using algorithms, sequencing, repetition, selection, debugging and logical reasoning to solve problems.
• Digital literacy and communication: using technology to research, present, communicate and collaborate effectively and appropriately.
• Creating and evaluating digital content: developing confidence with a range of digital tools to produce text, images, animations, presentations and media with increasing independence.
• Data and information: collecting, organising, interpreting and representing data in simple and more complex ways.
• Technology in the wider world: understanding how technology is used in everyday life and considering its impact on people, society and the environment.

Teaching will use carefully sequenced lessons, explicit vocabulary instruction, modelling and scaffolded practice. Lessons will interleave practical experience with clear explanation so pupils can apply their learning in new contexts. Retrieval practice and regular revision of key concepts will help pupils secure long-term understanding and develop fluency in essential computing knowledge and skills.

Progression:

Learning objectives are mapped progressively across the school so that:

• Early Years and Key Stage 1 focus on developing confidence with simple technology, recognising safe and unsafe use, and understanding basic algorithms and sequencing.
• Lower Key Stage 2 builds on this foundation through deeper work on programming, digital content creation, information handling and online safety.
• Upper Key Stage 2 develops more complex understanding of computational thinking, networks, digital responsibility, data handling and the purposeful use of technology to solve problems and communicate ideas.

Progression ensures mastery of essential concepts before advancing, with key ideas revisited regularly and misconceptions addressed explicitly. Differentiation and targeted support ensure pupils with SEND, EAL or disadvantaged backgrounds can access the curriculum and make strong progress. Subject leaders and staff will use assessment effectively to identify next steps and adapt provision where needed.

Wider Impact

Computing underpins The Monkfield Way by nurturing tolerant, responsible, confident learners who try their best, look after themselves and others, and work well together. It supports safeguarding by teaching pupils how to keep themselves safe online and to make sensible choices when using digital devices and platforms.

The curriculum also supports aspiration and equity by giving all pupils access to the digital knowledge and skills needed for future education, employment and participation in modern life. Through collaborative work, creative problem-solving and opportunities to communicate ideas, computing helps pupils develop resilience, independence and a sense of achievement.

Aspirational outcomes for pupils: children will leave Year 6 as confident, responsible and resilient digital citizens, able to use technology safely, creatively and effectively. They will be prepared for the next stage of education with secure computational thinking skills, a strong understanding of online safety, and the confidence to engage positively with the digital world.

Subject leaders and staff will monitor impact, refine sequencing and pedagogy collaboratively, and ensure computing contributes strongly to pupils’ achievement, personal development and long-term success.