Our Vision

At St Stephen's C of E Primary School, we believe every child should become a confident creator, an inquisitive coder, a supportive collaborator and a responsible digital citizen. Through our Computing curriculum, pupils develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to use technology creatively, solve problems and stay safe in an increasingly digital world.

Intent

At St Stephen's C of E Primary School, we follow the Teach Computing Curriculum, developed by the National Centre for Computing Education. This carefully sequenced curriculum meets the requirements of the National Curriculum and ensures that knowledge and skills build progressively from Year 1 to Year 6.

Our curriculum develops pupils' understanding across three key strands:

• Computer Science
• Information Technology
• Digital Literacy

Online safety is embedded throughout every year group, enabling pupils to become safe, respectful and responsible users of technology. Pupils are encouraged to think critically about the digital world while developing the skills needed for education, future employment and everyday life.

Implementation

Key Knowledge and Skills

Our curriculum develops pupils' understanding across a range of key concepts including:

• Algorithms
• Programming
• Debugging
• Logical thinking
• Computational thinking
• Networks and the Internet
• Digital media
• Data and information
• Online safety

Pupils develop these concepts through practical, hands-on learning that encourages them to explore, create, debug, collaborate and persevere as confident problem solvers.

Curriculum Coverage

Learning is carefully sequenced so that pupils build upon prior knowledge while developing increasingly sophisticated computing skills. The Teach Computing Curriculum provides a clear progression from Year 1 to Year 6, ensuring that knowledge is revisited and deepened over time.

Pupils learn through a range of practical experiences including programming, creating digital media, collecting and analysing data, understanding computer systems and developing digital literacy. Online safety is woven throughout the curriculum and reinforced regularly across the school.

Cross-Curricular Links

Computing supports learning across the wider curriculum. Pupils use technology to research, create, communicate and present their learning in a range of subjects. Digital tools are used to enhance learning across English, mathematics, science, geography, history, art and design technology, enabling pupils to apply their computing skills in meaningful contexts.

Impact

By the end of Year 6, our pupils are confident, creative and responsible users of technology who are well prepared for the next stage of their education and life in an increasingly digital world.

Learning is assessed through practical outcomes, teacher assessment, discussion and pupils' ability to apply their knowledge independently in a range of contexts.

Our pupils will:

• Use technology safely, responsibly and respectfully.

• Create, debug and evaluate computer programmes.

• Communicate and collaborate using digital technologies.

• Solve problems using logical and computational thinking.

• Understand how technology is used in the wider world

Why Online Safety Matters

At St Stephen's C of E Primary School, online safety is an essential part of our Computing curriculum and wider school life. We teach pupils how to use technology safely, responsibly and respectfully so they can make positive choices in an increasingly digital world.

How We Teach Online Safety

Online safety is woven throughout our Computing curriculum and revisited regularly across all year groups. Pupils learn how to protect their personal information, communicate respectfully online, recognise potential risks, think critically about the content they see and know where to go for help if something worries them.

Safer Internet Day and RSHE

Each year, we take part in Safer Internet Day, giving pupils the opportunity to explore current online safety themes through discussion, reflection and practical activities. Our RSHE curriculum also supports pupils in developing safe, respectful relationships both online and offline.

Supporting Parents and Carers

We believe that keeping children safe online is a partnership between school and home. Please explore the resources below for practical advice, guidance and activities to help support your child in using technology safely and responsibly.

🌐 Internet Matters

Internet Matters provides expert advice, age-specific guidance and practical tips to help parents keep their children safe online. Parents can find information about social media, gaming, screen time, parental controls, online bullying and much more.

🛡️ UK Safer Internet Centre

The UK Safer Internet Centre offers trusted advice, educational resources and the latest guidance to help families stay safe online. Parents can access information about online safety, reporting concerns, privacy settings and current online trends affecting children.

👮 Thinkuknow (CEOP)

Thinkuknow, produced by the National Crime Agency's CEOP Education team, provides age-appropriate advice to help children stay safe online. Parents can access guidance on gaming, social media, online friendships, live streaming and how to report concerns.