Computing

Computing Long Term Plan 2024-25.pdf

Computing at The Beacon

At Beacon CE Primary School, our computing curriculum aims to give all pupils equal opportunities to explore and develop their enthusiasm for technology, fostering safe, happy, and effective use. Alongside technical skills, we integrate social, moral, and cultural awareness, building resilience and promoting positive, responsible digital behaviour.

Our curriculum focuses on three core areas: computer science, information technology, and digital literacy. This framework helps children become active users of technology, emphasizing control and creativity rather than passive consumption. Key concepts and skills are introduced through a structured sequence that reinforces understanding year by year, with specific vocabulary for effective communication.

We use the “Use, Modify, Create” cycle as the foundation of our teaching and adapt the NCCE Teach Computing curriculum for comprehensive coverage. This approach allows pupils to explore real-world apps and devices before applying them creatively and practically. All pupils experience coding in varied languages, physical computing (controlling hardware), and creative uses of technology. They learn about technology’s real-world applications in data handling, mathematics, creativity, and manufacturing.

Recognising that technology access varies, we provide a progression for those with prior experience and foundational support for those without. The curriculum encourages pupils to see devices as interconnected tools for empowerment, not just entertainment.

We also offer enrichment through a regular Code Club for KS2 and other activities, encouraging pupils to question, create, and refine the technology they encounter in a thoughtful and controlled way.

You can find all current Knowledge Organisers as PDFs on each class page.

The Beacon Primary School has been recognised for delivering high-quality computing education to young people, developing their digital skills and preparing them for the future.

The Beacon has achieved the national Computing Quality Mark after evaluating its computing education and demonstrating high-quality provision. The Computing Quality Mark is awarded by the National Centre for Computing Education and recognises excellence of computing education offered by a school as part of their curriculum development through the Computing Quality Framework (CQF).

We were awarded the NCCE Computing Quality Mark for the quality of our computing curriculum.

To achieve the award The Beacon completed all seven aspects of the CQF in order to receive the Computing Quality Mark, which recognises achievement in:
-Leadership and Vision
-Curriculum and Qualifications
-Teaching, Learning and Assessment
-Staff Development
-Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and SEND
-Careers Education
-Impact on Outcomes

We offer free e-safety training for all parents through National Online Safety - to sign up click HERE and select parent/carer when prompted. Sample resources are also included in the files section of this page.

Useful Computing & e-safety Links

Be Internet Legends with Google

This link has interactive games, quizzes and more to help all the family understand how to safe online

Internet Safety for Parents

This link has lots of information to help parents understand about protecting their children whilst they use the Internet.

Kiddle

When searching the Internet use a child friendly search engine.

Do you know the SMART rules?

To keep our school e-safe, all children need to know the SMART rules!

Useful Links for E-safety

Be Internet Legends - https://beinternetlegends.withgoogle.com

Think U Know - http://thinkuknow.co.uk