Computing at Orion Scotts Park

Computing at Orion Scotts Park Primary School

Intent, Implementation, and Impact

Intent

The intent of our computing curriculum is to inspire pupils to become confident, creative, and responsible users of technology, developing their knowledge and understanding of computational thinking, digital literacy, and information technology. Through the Kapow scheme of work and a rich variety of practical experiences, engaging real-world applications, and meaningful connections to their lives and future careers, we aim to empower pupils to become digitally literate citizens who can navigate and shape the technological world.

Our curriculum is designed to:

Develop children's computational thinking skills, enabling them to understand and apply the fundamental principles of computer science including algorithms, programming, data representation, and how digital systems work.
Cultivate creative problem-solvers who can design and create digital content, use technology purposefully to accomplish goals, debug programs, and develop solutions to computational problems with increasing independence and sophistication.
Encourage pupils to use technology safely, respectfully, and responsibly, understanding how to protect themselves and others online, recognizing acceptable and unacceptable behaviour, and developing critical thinking about digital information and online content.
Promote digital literacy through developing competence in using a range of technology tools and applications, understanding how to organize, manipulate, and present information effectively, and recognizing how technology impacts society and individuals.
Build both substantive knowledge (understanding concepts of computer science, networks, data, and online safety) and disciplinary knowledge (knowing how to program, create digital content, evaluate technology, and apply computational thinking), developing skills that are essential for life in the digital age.

We believe that computing is not only a subject but a gateway to understanding the digital world and developing the skills needed to thrive in an increasingly technological society. Our curriculum ensures that all children, regardless of background, have access to high-quality computing education that develops their digital skills, computational thinking, and prepares them for future learning and active participation in a digital world.

Implementation

To realize our curriculum intent, computing is delivered through the Kapow Primary scheme of work, which provides a carefully sequenced and inclusive programme that builds knowledge, skills, and confidence over time. The Kapow scheme offers comprehensive coverage of computer science, information technology, and digital literacy with progressive lesson plans, engaging resources, and clear assessment frameworks. Our approach ensures that all pupils regardless of background or starting point are supported and challenged to achieve their full potential.

Key implementation strategies include:

Structured progression: Computing is taught in focused blocks throughout the year, with units covering computer science (programming and computational thinking), information technology (creating digital content), and digital literacy (online safety and responsible use). The Kapow scheme ensures comprehensive National Curriculum coverage whilst providing clear progression of knowledge and skills from Reception through to Year 6.
Computer science and programming: Pupils learn fundamental programming concepts through age-appropriate platforms and languages. Children progress from simple algorithms and sequencing in early years, through block-based programming (such as Scratch), to text-based coding in upper key stage 2. Pupils develop understanding of sequence, selection, repetition, variables, and debugging, applying computational thinking to solve increasingly complex problems.
Information technology skills: Children develop competence in using a range of software and applications to create, organize, manipulate, and present digital content. Pupils learn to use word processing, presentation software, spreadsheets, digital art tools, video editing, and other applications, developing skills that support learning across the curriculum and prepare them for future work.
Digital literacy and online safety: Online safety is woven throughout our computing curriculum and revisited regularly. Pupils learn to use technology safely and respectfully, understand privacy and security, recognize online risks including cyberbullying and inappropriate content, evaluate digital information critically, and develop positive digital citizenship habits.
Computational thinking: Children develop computational thinking skills , decomposition, pattern recognition, abstraction, and algorithm design that can be applied beyond computing to solve problems across the curriculum and in everyday life. Pupils learn to break down complex problems, identify patterns, focus on important information, and create step-by-step solutions.
Knowledge development: Each Kapow unit combines practical skills with conceptual understanding. Knowledge organizers are shared at the start of each unit to outline key vocabulary, concepts, and learning expectations, supporting pupils and families in understanding the computing curriculum and reinforcing learning at home.
Hands-on practical learning: Computing lessons provide regular opportunities for pupils to work directly with technology, programming, creating content, and exploring digital tools. Children learn through doing, with guided tasks, independent challenges, and opportunities to apply skills creatively and solve authentic problems.
Understanding digital systems: Pupils develop understanding of how computers and networks work, including hardware components, how data is stored and transmitted, how the internet functions, and how search engines work. This foundational knowledge helps children understand the technology they use daily.
Varied teaching approaches: High-quality Kapow lesson plans and resources provide engaging presentations, differentiated activities, and varied learning experiences to support different learning styles and needs. Lessons incorporate unplugged activities (computing without computers), practical programming tasks, creative digital projects, and critical discussions about technology and online safety.
Cross-curricular links: Computing skills are applied across the curriculum, supporting learning in other subjects. Pupils use technology for research, data handling in mathematics and science, creating presentations in humanities, digital art in art and design, and word processing in English, understanding how technology enhances and supports learning in all areas.
E-safety emphasis: Online safety is taught explicitly through dedicated units and reinforced throughout all computing lessons. Pupils learn age-appropriate strategies for staying safe online, understand how to report concerns, develop critical thinking about online content and interactions, and recognize the importance of maintaining privacy and respectful digital behaviour.
Assessment and progression: Teachers use Kapow's assessment framework to track pupil progress against age-related expectations in computer science, information technology, and digital literacy. Formative assessment during lessons identifies misconceptions and informs teaching, whilst end-of-unit assessments and pupil work demonstrate progress and achievement over time.
Inclusive practice: Differentiated resources, scaffolded support, and varied approaches ensure all pupils, including those with SEND, can access computing lessons and develop their digital skills. Technology can be adapted and assistive tools used to support individual needs, ensuring all children participate meaningfully.

Impact

The impact of our computing curriculum is evident in our pupils' confidence with technology, their computational thinking skills, and their responsible approach to the digital world. By the end of their time at Orion Academy, Scotts Park Primary School, children leave with comprehensive computing knowledge, practical digital skills, and the awareness to navigate the online world safely and responsibly.

The impact of our curriculum can be seen through:

Programming and computational thinking: Pupils demonstrate strong understanding of programming concepts and can create increasingly sophisticated programs using block-based and text-based languages. They can design algorithms, use sequence, selection, and repetition structures, work with variables, and debug their code systematically. Children apply computational thinking to decompose problems, recognize patterns, and create efficient solutions.
Digital content creation: Children confidently use a range of software and applications to create high-quality digital content for different purposes and audiences. They can word process documents with appropriate formatting, create engaging presentations, use spreadsheets to organize and analyse data, produce digital artwork, edit images and videos, and select appropriate tools for their creative and practical needs.
Online safety awareness: Pupils demonstrate strong awareness of online safety and responsible technology use. They understand how to protect their personal information, recognize potential online risks, know how to respond to concerning content or interactions, and can articulate strategies for staying safe online. Children show respectful digital citizenship and critical thinking about online information.
Technical understanding: Children can explain how computers and networks work, demonstrate understanding of hardware and software components, describe how data is stored and transmitted, and articulate how the internet and search engines function. This foundational knowledge enables them to use technology more effectively and troubleshoot basic issues independently.
Confidence and independence: Pupils use technology confidently and independently across the curriculum and in their computing lessons. They can navigate different devices and applications, adapt to new software and tools, solve technical problems, and make informed decisions about which tools to use for different tasks.
Critical digital literacy: Children evaluate digital content critically, questioning the reliability and accuracy of online information. They understand that not everything online is true or appropriate, can identify potential bias or misinformation, and demonstrate discernment in their use of digital resources.
Collaborative skills: Pupils work effectively with others on digital projects, sharing ideas, collaborating on documents, providing constructive feedback, and understanding how to work respectfully in digital spaces. They demonstrate good digital etiquette and understand the collaborative potential of technology.
Vocabulary and communication: Children use computing vocabulary accurately and confidently when discussing technology, programming, and digital concepts. They can explain their work, describe processes, and communicate about technology using appropriate technical terminology.
Problem-solving and resilience: Pupils demonstrate perseverance when facing technical or programming challenges. They approach problems systematically, test solutions, learn from errors, and show resilience when debugging code or troubleshooting issues, understanding that mistakes are part of the learning process.
Application across the curriculum: Children independently apply their computing skills to support learning in other subjects. They confidently use technology for research, presenting work, analysing data, creating digital art, and communicating ideas, recognizing how computing enhances learning across all curriculum areas.
Awareness of technology's impact: Pupils understand how technology impacts society, individuals, and the environment. They can discuss the benefits and challenges of technology, recognize career opportunities in computing and technology fields, and show awareness of ethical considerations in technology use.
Progress and achievement: Ongoing formative assessment, end-of-unit evaluations, practical work, pupil voice activities, and work scrutiny demonstrate that the vast majority of pupils make good or better progress in computing. Evidence shows increasing sophistication of programming skills, competence with digital tools, and depth of understanding as children move through the school.
Preparedness for the future: Our computing curriculum successfully equips pupils with the foundational knowledge, skills, and digital literacy needed for secondary school and beyond. Children are well-prepared for an increasingly digital world, with the technical skills, computational thinking, and responsible online behaviour essential for success in further education, future careers, and active citizenship in the digital age.

Please click here /docs/Computing_Long_Term_Plan_Orion_Scotts_Park.pdf to see our Computing Long Term planning.