Our Computing Curriculum

At Southbury, we want children to become confident, capable and responsible users and creators of technology. Computing is not simply about learning how to use devices; it is about developing the knowledge and understanding to make sense of the digital world, solve problems, create, communicate and use technology purposefully.

We use Digital Sparks Computing scheme, to support the planning and delivery of our Computing curriculum. The curriculum provides a clear progression of knowledge and skills across Key Stages 1 and 2, enabling children to revisit important concepts and deepen their understanding as they move through the school. 

Through Computing, children learn about digital systems, programming, data, networks and digital media, while developing the computational thinking and problem-solving skills needed to apply their knowledge in different contexts. They have opportunities to create, investigate, test, debug, evaluate and make purposeful choices when using technology. 

Our curriculum also reflects the rapidly changing world in which children are growing up. Children develop an understanding of artificial intelligence, including its uses, risks, ethical considerations and impact on the world around them. 

What do children learn?

Our Computing curriculum includes:

• Digital Foundations – developing essential knowledge and skills for using digital devices and systems.
• Computer Systems and Networks – understanding how computers and digital systems work and communicate.
• Programming – developing an understanding of algorithms, sequence, programming and debugging.
• Creating Media – using technology creatively to design, create and communicate.
• Data and Information – collecting, organising, representing and interpreting data.
• Digital Citizenship – understanding how to use technology safely, responsibly and respectfully.
• Physical Computing – exploring how programming can control physical devices.
• Artificial Intelligence – developing an age-appropriate understanding of AI, its uses, risks, ethics and impact. 

A curriculum that builds over time

Our Computing curriculum is carefully sequenced so that children build on what they already know. Key concepts are revisited in different contexts, allowing children to develop increasingly secure understanding and apply their knowledge in new situations.

For example, children encounter programming concepts progressively, developing their understanding of algorithms, sequence and debugging as they move through the school. Similarly, their knowledge of digital systems and technology develops from understanding and using devices towards understanding how systems work and how technology has changed over time. 

This reflects our wider curriculum approach: KNOW, CONNECT and THINK. Children need secure knowledge before they can confidently apply it, solve problems and make informed decisions.

Online Safety and Digital Citizenship

Online safety is an integral part of our Computing curriculum rather than a separate topic. Through Digital Sparks, children regularly revisit age-appropriate online safety messages through Cyber Smart starters, alongside dedicated Digital Citizenship units. These develop children's understanding of how to use technology safely, responsibly and respectfully, including their responsibilities towards others online. 

Computing in Action

We want children to experience Computing as a subject that is creative, practical and meaningful. Across the school, children have opportunities to use their knowledge to create digital content, solve problems, write and debug programs, work with data, investigate how technology works and think critically about the digital world around them.