Computing

Rationale For Our Curriculum

At Springdale Primary, we understand the vital role technology plays in learning and everyday life. We use Purple Mash and other digital tools to support the Computing curriculum and enhance learning across all subjects.

We believe technology can:

• Encourage collaboration and teamwork

• Increase pupil engagement

• Provide easy access to rich, interactive content

• Help children understand new concepts

• Support the needs of all learners

Computing skills are essential for children to become confident, creative, and independent learners. Our curriculum integrates ICT across all subjects, ensuring pupils are digitally literate and resilient. Through Purple Mash, children learn to use technology safely and effectively, developing the ability to express themselves and share ideas in a digital world.

Technology is constantly evolving, and we aim to prepare pupils for the future workplace and life as active participants in a digital society.

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Intent

At Springdale, we want our pupils to be MASTERS of technology. Technology is everywhere and will play a pivotal role in their lives. We aim to model and teach pupils how to use technology positively, responsibly, and safely.

Our vision is for pupils to be creators, not just consumers. Our broad curriculum covers Computer Science, Information Technology, and Digital Literacy, giving children the skills to make informed choices when using technology. We use technology—including social media—responsibly to model positive use and believe that education is the best prevention for issues linked to technology and online safety.

We recognise that technology:

• Enables pupils to share learning creatively.

• Provides accessibility opportunities for all learners.

• Offers tools for applying knowledge in innovative ways.

By Upper Key Stage 2, we want pupils to be independent and confident, choosing the best tools to complete tasks and challenges. Our goal is for every child to leave Springdale fluent in a range of digital tools and ready for the future workplace.

Implementation

At Springdale, we follow the Purple Mash scheme of work from Year 1 to Year 6, ensuring consistency and progression across the school. This scheme provides full coverage of the national computing curriculum and offers support and CPD for teachers, making lessons accessible and engaging for all.

• Structured Learning: Purple Mash lessons are organised into weekly units, with two units typically taught per half-term. These units are practical, hands-on, and cover a wide range of computing components, including:

  • Coding

  • Spreadsheets

  • Internet and Email

  • Databases

  • Communication Networks

  • Touch Typing

  • Animation

  • Online Safety

• Progression: We have created a comprehensive progression document for staff to ensure every element of the computing curriculum is embedded effectively. Knowledge and skills build year on year to deepen understanding and challenge learners.

• Engaging and Flexible: Teachers follow pupils’ interests to make learning engaging, broad, and balanced. ICT and computing skills are integrated into core and foundation subjects wherever possible. Purple Mash supports this with an online portal of age-appropriate software, games, activities, and cross-curricular resources.

• Practical and Safe: Computing lessons are interactive and varied, using different teaching approaches based on pupil ability. Health and safety are a priority—pupils are always supervised when using technology and accessing the internet.

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Impact

At Springdale, we want children to enjoy and value computing and understand its impact on their learning, development, and well-being. We encourage pupils to ask “why” they are learning something, not just “how”, and to reflect on the role technology plays in their lives.

Finding the right balance with technology is key to both effective education and a healthy lifestyle. Through regular discussions between staff and pupils, we help children understand this balance and develop habits they can carry forward into the next stage of education and beyond.

The impact of our curriculum is seen in:

• Pupil Engagement: Children showcase, share, and celebrate their work creatively using technology.

• Assessment: We review pupils’ knowledge and skills digitally through tools like Purple Mash and observe learning regularly.

• Progress: Outcomes and coverage records demonstrate progression across all year groups.

Our approach ensures pupils leave Springdale as confident, responsible, and creative users of technology, ready for the challenges of a digital world.