Computing at Spring Bank Primary School

At Spring Bank we want our pupils to be masters of technology and not slaves to it. We want to model and educate our pupils on how to use technology positively, responsibly and safely.  We want our pupils to understand that there is always a choice when using technology, and we utilise technology (especially social media) to model positive use. We recognise that the best way to prevent  many issues we currently see with the use of technology is through education. Building secure knowledge of this subject will allow pupils to effectively demonstrate their learning through creative use of technology.

We encourage staff to try and embed computing across the whole curriculum to make learning creative and accessible for all of our pupils.  We want our pupils to be fluent with a range of tools to best express their understanding in order to develop the independence and confidence to choose the best tool to fulfil the task and challenge set by teachers.

We want our pupils to be creators, not simply consumers of technology. Our curriculum is designed to achieve this  by encompassing skills from all aspects of computer science, information technology and digital literacy balanced with the opportunity for pupils to apply their knowledge creatively.

The Computing Programme of Study in the National Curriculum puts a clear emphasis on three areas of learning:

• Computer Science - how computers work and how to write algorithms and solve problems to eventually create a computer programme. (For example, Computational Thinking, Programming, Computer Networks)
• Information Technology - how data is represented and managed on computers (For example, Word Processing, Data Handling, Presenting Information, Animation, Video Creation, Sound)
• Digital Literacy - how to understand digital information and interact with it safely and appropriately. (For example, Security, Privacy, Online Reputation, Bullying, Online Relationships)

Online Safety 

Online Safety is also integral to our Computing offer.  We teach online safety using Purple Mash lessons and through workshops led by D-Side, who work with all classes at Spring Bank to raise awareness of online risks.  Sessions are designed to equip children with the knowledge and skills they need to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly. Each year, we also dedicate time to online safety education through Safer Internet Day. We provide lessons and assemblies that address current online issues. For 2025, we focused on 'Too Good To Be True?', equipping students with the skills to identify and manage online scams.

Delivery of Lessons

Spring Bank Primary teaches computing through timetabled ICT suite lessons for KS1 and KS2, following the National Curriculum. This includes both computer skills and 'unplugged' activities. Purple Mash supports our curriculum, and students use laptops and iPads to integrate computing into other subjects.

Using Purple Mash, we foster a comprehensive computing education that emphasises deep understanding, skill development, practical application, and reflective practice. Students are given opportunities for creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving, both on and off computers. They learn to adapt their thinking to different challenges, showcase their learning through diverse tasks, and receive assessments that drive future instruction and promote further learning.

See the documents below for an overview of learning.