Computing Statement of Intent

At St. Leonard's CE Primary School, we believe that computing is an essential part of preparing children for life in an increasingly digital world. Our ambition is to develop confident, creative and responsible learners who can use technology safely, effectively and purposefully, equipping them with the knowledge and skills they need for the future.

We deliver our computing curriculum through the Teach Computing programme, developed by the National Centre for Computing Education. This provides a coherent, ambitious and carefully sequenced curriculum that ensures full coverage of the National Curriculum while enabling children to build their knowledge and skills progressively from Year 1 to Year 6.

Our curriculum is designed around the three key strands of:

• Computer Science – developing computational thinking, programming skills and an understanding of how digital systems work.
• Information Technology – enabling pupils to use technology confidently to create, organise and present digital content.
• Digital Literacy – teaching children to use technology safely, responsibly and respectfully while becoming thoughtful and discerning digital citizens.

Learning is underpinned by the Teach Computing pedagogy, allowing children to revisit prior learning, strengthen their understanding over time and apply their knowledge in increasingly challenging contexts. High-quality teaching, precise subject vocabulary and practical, hands-on experiences enable pupils to develop confidence, resilience and independence as they solve problems, create digital content and explore new technologies.

Online safety is woven throughout our curriculum and forms an integral part of school life. Children are taught how to keep themselves and others safe online, understand the importance of respectful digital communication, recognise potential risks and make informed choices when using technology. By revisiting these themes regularly, we help pupils develop the knowledge and confidence to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly.

As a school with mixed-age classes, we follow a carefully planned two-year rolling programme. This ensures that every child receives full coverage of the National Curriculum without unnecessary repetition, whilst allowing knowledge and skills to build progressively across each phase of learning. Our progression of skills document clearly identifies the expectations for each year group and supports teachers in ensuring all pupils achieve their full potential.

By the time our pupils leave St. Leonard's, they are equipped with the digital knowledge, computational thinking and problem-solving skills needed for secondary education and beyond. More importantly, they leave as responsible, resilient and confident users of technology who understand both the opportunities and responsibilities that come with living in a connected world.

Further Information

Below you will find:

• Our Computing Policy
• Our Long-Term Curriculum Map
• Our Progression of Skills document
• A link to the National Curriculum for Computing

If you would like any further information about Computing at St. Leonard's, please do not hesitate to contact our Computing Lead, Mrs Lowe, through the school office on 01827 213995 or by emailing office@st-leonards-wigginton.staffs.sch.uk. We are always happy to discuss our curriculum and answer any questions you may have.

Keeping safe online

How to support your child's interest and learning in computing at home:

1. Make Computing Part of Everyday Life

• Talk about technology you use daily – smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, traffic lights, self-checkouts. Ask: “How do you think this works?”
• Encourage curiosity about apps and websites: “What do you think the computer is doing when you press that button?”
• Show them that computing isn’t just games — it’s problem-solving and creativity.

2. Encourage Computational Thinking (Without Screens!)

Computing skills don’t always need a device.

• Give step-by-step instructions (e.g., “How to make a sandwich”) and spot mistakes together.
• Play logic and strategy games like chess, draughts, or puzzles.
• Try coding-style activities such as giving directions around the house (“Take 3 steps forward, turn right…”).

These build sequencing, logic, debugging, and problem-solving skills.

3. Explore Child-Friendly Coding Platforms

For beginners:

• Scratch – Create animations and games using drag-and-drop coding blocks.
• ScratchJr – Ideal for younger children (ages 5–7).
• Code.org – Free courses and “Hour of Code” activities.

For slightly more advanced learners:

• Tynker
• BBC micro

– A small programmable device used in many UK schools.

Encourage them to create something meaningful to them — a game for a sibling, an animation about their favourite animal, etc.

4. Focus on Creativity, Not Just Consumption

Instead of only playing games or watching videos, encourage them to:

• Design their own game.
• Make a digital comic strip.
• Create a short animation.
• Build a simple website (with supervision).

Ask them to explain how their project works — teaching others deepens understanding.

5. Talk About Online Safety

Help them develop safe digital habits:

• Discuss keeping personal information private.
• Agree on screen time limits together.
• Encourage them to tell you if something online makes them uncomfortable.
• Explore resources from organisations like Childnet.

Keep conversations open and calm rather than reactive.

6. Show Real-World Connections

Help them see how computing links to other subjects:

• Maths (patterns, logic, problem-solving)
• Art (digital drawing, animation)
• English (storytelling through games or comics)
• Science (simulations, data logging)

You could explore inspiring role models in technology, such as:

• Ada Lovelace
• Tim Berners-Lee

7. Encourage a Growth Mindset

Computing often involves mistakes.

• Celebrate effort, not just results.
• Talk about “debugging” as fixing problems.
• Share stories of inventors and programmers who failed before succeeding.

Mistakes are part of learning to code.

8. Keep It Balanced

• Combine screen and non-screen activities.
• Encourage physical activity and offline hobbies too.
• Make computing something they enjoy, not something pressured.

9. Learn Alongside Your Child

You don’t need to be an expert.

• Say, “Let’s figure this out together.”
• Ask them to teach you what they’ve learned.
• Show interest in their projects.

Your encouragement and curiosity are more important than technical knowledge.

Internet Safety Games