Computing

Vision

At Cayley, we empower pupils to become confident, creative, and responsible digital citizens through an engaging and inclusive computing curriculum. Pupils learn to use technology safely and effectively, develop problem-solving and coding skills, and gain the knowledge to navigate the digital world with confidence.

Intent

Our computing curriculum is designed to give pupils the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in a digital age. Pupils develop expertise across three key areas:

• Computer Science – understanding how computers work and learning to code
• Information Technology – using software and tools to create, organise and present information
• Digital Literacy – staying safe online, understanding digital citizenship and evaluating digital content

We aim to foster creativity, problem-solving and resilience while encouraging pupils to use technology responsibly and ethically.

Implementation

Computing is taught weekly from Early Years to Year 6, ensuring consistent progression and skill development. We follow the Teach Computing scheme, which provides six units per year, with six lessons per unit. Lessons can include both plugged (technology-based) and unplugged (screen-free) activities, allowing pupils to explore concepts in a variety of ways.

Lessons are structured to:

• revisit prior learning
• introduce clear learning intentions
• promote discussion, collaboration and independent exploration
• allow pupils to demonstrate understanding in multiple ways

Teachers follow medium-term and lesson plans provided by the scheme, ensuring consistency. All additional or alternative resources are approved by the Computing Lead. Lessons are adapted to support all learners, including pupils with SEND and EAL, using visual aids, scaffolding and flexible groupings where needed.

Impact

Through our computing curriculum, pupils develop confidence in using technology, problem-solving skills and creativity. They become responsible digital citizens who understand how to stay safe online and apply computing skills across other areas of learning.

Progress is assessed through:

• formative observations, questioning, and reviewing work during lessons
• end-of-year summaries shared with parents to capture achievement

Monitoring includes learning walks, pupil voice and staff feedback to ensure high-quality teaching, engagement and consistent curriculum coverage.

We aim for pupils leave Cayley with strong digital skills, confidence in using technology creatively, and an understanding of how to engage safely and responsibly in a digital world.