Our Computing Curriculum

At Milton on Stour CE School, we have chosen to follow the Purple Mash Computing Scheme. This carefully structured programme supports teachers in delivering fun, engaging, and challenging lessons that help raise standards and enable all pupils to achieve their full potential. The scheme not only meets but exceeds the expectations of the national curriculum for Computing, offering flexibility, strong cross-curricular links, and seamless integration with the 2Simple Computing Assessment Tool. It also provides high-quality supporting materials that build the confidence of all staff, including those less experienced in teaching Computing.

Early Years

In the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), we believe that Computing should be delivered through a broad, play-based experience across a variety of contexts. ICT scenarios are embedded into role play and everyday experiences, giving children the chance to make meaningful connections to the real world. Pupils gain confidence, fine motor control, and language skills through opportunities to explore technology such as interactive whiteboards, tablets, and programmable toys. Outdoor learning is enriched with ICT tools like metal detectors, controllable traffic lights, and walkie-talkie sets, which encourage problem-solving and collaboration. Recording devices further support the development of communication skills, particularly for pupils with English as an additional language, enabling them to share their ideas and learning.

Key Stage 1

By the end of Key Stage 1, children will have a secure understanding of the fundamental concepts of Computing. They will begin to understand what algorithms are, how they are implemented as programs on digital devices, and that programs execute by following a sequence of instructions. Pupils will write, test, and debug simple programs and develop skills to organise, store, manipulate, and retrieve data in a variety of digital formats. They will also learn how to communicate safely and respectfully online, understanding the importance of keeping personal information private, and will be able to identify common uses of information technology beyond school.

Key Stage 2

In Key Stage 2, pupils will build upon these foundations to develop greater independence, creativity, and critical thinking in their use of technology. They will design, write, and evaluate programs to accomplish specific goals, including the control or simulation of physical systems, and will solve increasingly complex problems by decomposing them into smaller, manageable parts. Pupils will confidently use sequence, selection, and repetition in programs, work with variables and various forms of input and output, and generate appropriate inputs and predicted outputs to test their programs. Logical reasoning will underpin their ability to explain how algorithms work, as well as to detect and correct errors in both algorithms and programs.

In addition, children will develop a secure understanding of computer networks, including the internet and its role in providing multiple services such as the World Wide Web. They will explore the opportunities networks and online platforms provide for communication, collaboration, and creativity, while being supported to engage with them safely and responsibly.

 

Acceptable use agreement for pupils 

This agreement shows the school rules to help us to use computers, tablets and the internet safely.

• I always ask a teacher or trusted adult before I use computers or tables.
• I only open games, websites, or activities that an adult has told me I can use.
• I tell an adult straight away if I see something on a screen that upsets me or that I don’t
• understand.
• I keep my passwords safe and never use anyone else’s.
• I never share personal information like my address, birthday, school name, or phone number.
• I only write or send things that are kind and respectful.
• If I am not sure what to do, I will stop and ask a teacher or another trusted adult for help.

Being safe in a Digital World

In addition to our computing curriculum we also aim to teach the children explicitly how to keep safe online. This includes the potential harm caused by AI. Below is an outline of the programme of study. This learning complements that already covered in our PSHE, safegaurding and assembly curriculum 

Online_Safety_Policy.pdf

For further information on how to keep safe online click www.milton.dorset.sch.uk/internet-safety