At Thames View, Computing helps pupils understand technology, use it creatively and make safe, responsible choices in an increasingly digital world. Pupils learn about programming, data, digital communication, online safety, artificial intelligence and how technology can be used to solve problems. Our Computing curriculum follows the National Curriculum from Year 1 to Year 6 and is shaped around the needs, context and experiences of pupils at Thames View.

How Computing develops Global Citizens

Computing helps pupils become safe, confident and responsible digital citizens. Pupils learn how technology connects people, supports creativity, organises information and influences society. They also learn how to stay safe online, protect their personal information, communicate respectfully and think carefully about the benefits and risks of new technologies, including artificial intelligence.

Our Computing Narrative Threads

Our Computing curriculum is organised around four narrative threads. These help pupils revisit important digital ideas over time, moving from early experiences of technology and online safety in EYFS to programming, data, digital creativity, communication and responsible technology use in Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2.

Thread 1: Systems, Data and Computational Thinking

Pupils learn how technology works, how information is organised and processed, and how logical thinking can be used to solve problems. They develop their understanding through unplugged activities, algorithms, programming, databases, spreadsheets and data handling.

Thread 2: Digital Creativity, Communication and Problem Solving

Pupils learn how technology can be used creatively to communicate ideas and solve problems. They create digital art, writing, animation, podcasts, videos, models and apps for different purposes and audiences.

Thread 3: Technology, Society and the Future

Pupils learn how technology changes over time and how it affects the world around them. They explore the internet, the World Wide Web, search, publishing, simulations, cryptography, 3D modelling and artificial intelligence, helping them think about how technology shapes society and the future.

Thread 4: Digital Identity, Safety and Responsibility

Pupils learn how to keep themselves and others safe online. They explore digital identity, privacy, passwords, respectful communication, online risks, trusted adults, safe searching and responsible use of technology.

Computing in Early Years

Although Computing is not a statutory subject in EYFS, children at Thames View are introduced to age-appropriate experiences with technology as part of their wider learning. Many children already encounter technology at home and in the community, so we help them begin to understand how technology can be used safely, creatively and responsibly.

In Nursery and Reception, children explore technology through play, stories, discussion, interactive whiteboard activities, digital creativity, music, programmable toys and simple online safety routines. This helps children develop curiosity, confidence, communication, problem-solving and early digital responsibility as part of their journey towards becoming Global Citizens.

How we teach Computing

In Computing, pupils revisit prior learning before being introduced to new knowledge, vocabulary and digital skills. They learn through clear modelling, guided practice, discussion, unplugged activities, practical tasks and opportunities to create, test, improve and evaluate their work.

Pupils are taught to think like computer scientists and digital creators by breaking problems into smaller steps, following and creating algorithms, debugging errors, organising information, using technology for a purpose and making responsible choices online.

The Computing long-term plan is organised across the themes of Safety, Code, Networks, Information, Create and Communicate, with units including iSafe, iAlgorithm, iProgram, iData, iSearch, iConnect, iCrypto, iLearnAI, iDraw, iPodcast, iEditVideo, iModel and iApp.

Vocabulary and subject talk

Vocabulary is taught explicitly in every unit. Pupils learn and revisit important vocabulary such as technology, algorithm, program, debug, data, database, spreadsheet, network, internet, search, digital content, privacy, password, artificial intelligence and online safety. This helps pupils explain their thinking clearly, talk about how technology works and make links to prior learning.

Teachers model high-quality digital and technical talk and provide sentence stems where needed so that all pupils can discuss their ideas, choices and online responsibilities with confidence.

Inclusion and Removing Barriers

Pupils may have different levels of access to technology, digital confidence, vocabulary or experience of using devices safely and creatively. Some pupils may also find sequencing, problem-solving, typing, reading on screen or understanding abstract digital concepts more challenging.

We use modelling, visual examples, step-by-step teaching, unplugged activities, partner work, repeated vocabulary and practical exploration to make Computing meaningful and accessible. Teachers also use clear explanations, adapted resources, visual support and structured tasks so that all pupils, including pupils with SEND, can access the same ambitious Computing curriculum.

Progression in Computing

Our Computing progression map shows how pupils build knowledge, vocabulary, digital skills and online safety understanding from Nursery to Year 6. This will be added to the page once finalised.

Useful Websites

BBC Bitesize Computing
Barefoot Computing
Scratch
Blockly Games
Hour of Code
ThinkUKnow
Childnet
Internet Matters
Chrome Music Lab
Busy Things