Intent

At Sunnyside Primary Academy, we believe that computing is an essential part of preparing children for life in a rapidly changing digital world. We aim to instil a sense of enjoyment around using technology and develop pupils' appreciation of its capabilities and the opportunities it offers to create, manage, organise and collaborate. Through a carefully planned curriculum, pupils learn to use technology confidently, responsibly and creatively.

Our computing curriculum is delivered through the Teach Computing Curriculum, developed by the National Centre for Computing Education. The curriculum enables pupils to meet the end of Key Stage attainment targets outlined in the National Curriculum whilst developing the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to become successful learners and responsible digital citizens. Alongside our PSHE and Relationships Education curriculum, computing supports pupils in understanding how to use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly.

Our curriculum intent is driven through our five curriculum pillars.

Aspiring for Excellence

In computing, we inspire pupils to develop a growth mindset, embrace challenge and strive for excellence in all that they do. Pupils are encouraged to think critically, solve problems creatively and take pride in producing high-quality digital outcomes. Through programming, debugging, creating digital content and exploring new technologies, pupils develop resilience, perseverance and confidence. We aim for every child to leave Sunnyside as a capable and aspirational digital citizen, ready to thrive in an increasingly technological world.

Enriching Language and Communication

A rich and ambitious computing vocabulary is at the heart of our curriculum. We explicitly teach and revisit key technical terminology, enabling pupils to communicate their understanding accurately and confidently. Through discussion, collaborative learning, presentation and evaluation of digital work, pupils develop their ability to articulate ideas, explain processes and engage in meaningful dialogue. This focus on language strengthens understanding and supports pupils in becoming effective communicators in both digital and real-world contexts.

Cultivating a Strong Community

Computing provides valuable opportunities for collaboration, teamwork and responsible citizenship. Pupils learn to work together to solve problems, share ideas and create digital projects. Through online safety education and discussions around ethical technology use, pupils develop an understanding of how technology can strengthen communities and positively impact society. We foster a culture of respect, responsibility and inclusion, ensuring that pupils understand the importance of using technology safely, appropriately and for the benefit of others.

Broadening Horizons

Technology opens doors to a world of opportunities beyond pupils' immediate experiences. Through computing, pupils explore innovations, careers and technological developments that shape modern society. They learn about the ways technology connects people globally and influences culture, communication and industry. By exposing pupils to a range of technologies and digital experiences, we broaden aspirations, challenge perceptions and prepare pupils for future opportunities in an ever-changing world.

Building a Knowledge-Rich Foundation

Our computing curriculum is carefully sequenced to ensure pupils build secure knowledge over time. Through the Teach Computing Curriculum, pupils develop a deep understanding of key concepts in computer science, information technology and digital literacy. New learning is connected to prior knowledge, enabling pupils to revisit, strengthen and apply their understanding in increasingly complex contexts. This strong foundation ensures pupils are equipped with the essential knowledge and skills needed for future learning and success in secondary education and beyond.

Implementation

At Sunnyside Primary Academy, computing is taught through the Teach Computing Curriculum, which is fully aligned with the requirements of the National Curriculum for Computing.

The curriculum is organised around three key strands:

• Computer Science
• Information Technology
• Digital Literacy

These strands are interwoven throughout each year group's programme of study, ensuring pupils develop a broad and balanced understanding of computing.

The curriculum is structured through carefully sequenced units that revisit and build upon prior learning. The main areas of study include:

• Computing Systems and Networks
• Creating Media
• Programming
• Data and Information
• Online Safety

This progressive model ensures pupils gain a secure understanding of computing concepts and can apply their knowledge in increasingly sophisticated ways as they move through the school.

Lessons incorporate a range of teaching approaches, including practical activities, collaborative tasks, independent learning, discussion and unplugged computing experiences. This variety ensures learning is engaging, inclusive and accessible to all pupils.

Where meaningful links can be made, computing is connected to learning across the wider curriculum, including mathematics, science, art, music and design technology. These opportunities enable pupils to apply their computing knowledge in purposeful contexts and strengthen their understanding across subjects.

Online safety is embedded throughout the curriculum and revisited regularly, ensuring pupils understand how to navigate the digital world safely, respectfully and responsibly. Additional enrichment opportunities, including workshops, visitors and awareness events, further enhance pupils' understanding of technology and its role in modern society.

Impact

Formative and summative assessment strategies are used to monitor pupils' progress and evaluate the effectiveness of the computing curriculum. Teachers regularly assess pupils' understanding and application of knowledge, enabling them to identify strengths, address misconceptions and adapt teaching to meet pupils' needs.

By the time pupils leave Sunnyside Primary Academy, they will be equipped with the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to succeed in secondary education and participate confidently in an increasingly digital world.

The expected impact of our computing curriculum is that pupils will:

• Be critical thinkers who can make informed and responsible digital choices.
• Understand the importance of computing within education, employment and everyday life.
• Demonstrate a healthy and balanced approach to the use of technology.
• Use technology creatively to communicate, present ideas and solve problems.
• Show clear progression across the key areas of computer science, information technology and digital literacy.
• Work independently and collaboratively using a range of digital technologies.
• Understand online safety risks and know how to respond appropriately to concerns.
• Demonstrate an awareness of current and emerging technologies and their impact on society.
• Apply computational thinking and problem-solving skills across a range of contexts.
• Meet or exceed the expectations of the National Curriculum for Computing at the end of each key stage.

Evidence of Impact

The impact of our computing curriculum can be seen through:

• High-quality digital outcomes produced by pupils.
• Pupils confidently discussing and applying computing vocabulary.
• Strong pupil engagement and enthusiasm for computing lessons.
• Progression in knowledge and skills across year groups.
• Safe and responsible use of technology throughout the school.
• Assessment outcomes demonstrating strong attainment and progress.

Our pupils leave Sunnyside Primary Academy as confident, capable and responsible digital citizens, equipped with the knowledge, skills and understanding required for the next stage of their education and for life in an increasingly digital society.