Computing

Intent

At COGL, our computing curriculum aims to equip all pupils with the digital knowledge, skills and understanding they need to thrive in an increasingly technology‑driven world. We want children to become confident, creative and responsible users of technology, who can think logically, solve problems and express ideas through computing. 

Our bespoke, mixed‑age computing curriculum is based on the National Centre for Computing Education (NCCE) Teach Computing Curriculum, ensuring full coverage of the National Curriculum and a clear progression of skills from Year 1 to Year 6. It has been carefully adapted to reflect our school context, making purposeful use of 1‑to‑1 iPads and enriching programming experiences through Lego Education SPIKE Essentials and SPIKE Prime robotics. 

Through computing, we intend that pupils: 

• Develop computational thinking, including decomposition, pattern recognition, abstraction and algorithmic thinking 

• Gain practical experience of programming and debugging across a range of digital and physical platforms 

• Understand how digital systems work and how data is represented and used 

• Become digitally literate, able to use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly 

• Apply computing skills across the wider curriculum and real‑life contexts 

Implementation

Our computing curriculum is taught through our mixed‑age classes, with careful planning to ensure clear progression and age‑appropriate challenge. Units are drawn from the NCCE Teach Computing Curriculum and adapted so that concepts are revisited and deepened as pupils move through the school.  

Programming units – while covering the same concepts as outlined in the NCCE curriculum -have been adapted to make use of our LEGO Spike robots to make the outputs of children’s codes tangible and exciting.  

Key features of implementation include: 

• Curriculum Structure 

• The curriculum is organised around the NCCE strands: Computer Science, Information Technology and Digital Literacy 

• Knowledge and skills are revisited and built upon year‑on‑year to support long‑term retention 

• Mixed‑age planning ensures shared themes with increasing complexity and independence 

• 1‑to‑1 iPads 

• All pupils have regular access to their own iPad, enabling creativity, experimentation and independence 

• iPads are used for coding, digital creation, data handling, research and presenting learning 

• Apps and tools are carefully selected to support curriculum objectives rather than replace core understanding 

• Programming and Robotics 

• Coding units are enhanced through the use of Lego SPIKE Essentials (Years 1–4) and Lego SPIKE Prime (Years 5–6) 

• Pupils program physical robots, strengthening understanding of algorithms, sequencing, repetition, variables and debugging 

• Robotics provides a tangible, engaging way for pupils to see the real‑world impact of code and problem‑solving 

• Online Safety 

• Online safety is taught explicitly and revisited regularly across year groups 

• Pupils learn how to keep themselves and others safe online, including respectful communication, privacy and managing information 

• Cross‑Curricular Links 

• Computing skills are applied meaningfully across subjects such as maths, science, geography and creative projects 

• Digital tools are used to enhance learning rather than replace high‑quality teaching and discussion 

Impact

As a result of our computing curriculum, pupils at Lealholm leave primary school as digitally confident learners with a secure understanding of the core principles of computing. 

By the time pupils leave our school, they: 

• Can write, test and debug programs using both on‑screen and physical devices 

• Demonstrate strong problem‑solving and logical thinking skills 

• Use digital tools creatively to present ideas, explore concepts and support learning across the curriculum 

• Understand how technology works and how it impacts everyday life 

• Are able to stay safe online and act responsibly and respectfully in digital spaces 

Our use of 1‑to‑1 iPads and Lego SPIKE robotics ensures high levels of engagement, inclusion and ambition, allowing all pupils — regardless of age or starting point — to succeed and develop a positive attitude towards computing and future learning.