Computing Curriculum

Intent

At Marlborough Road Academy, our computing curriculum is designed to prepare pupils for the future by equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed in an ever-changing digital world.

The curriculum ensures progression in key areas of computing, including:

• Creating digital content

• Communication

• Research

• Online safety

This enables pupils to become confident,competentand safe users of technology, as well as understanding how it works.

Our curriculum supports creativity and meaningful cross-curricular links, enriching pupils’ experiences and engaging them in purposeful learning.

Implementation

Computing is taught throughout the year, allowing pupils to develop depth in both knowledge and skills across each topic.

Our curriculum is carefully structured to ensure progression from EYFS to Year 6, with knowledge and skills mapped across all year groups.

Teaching is supported through the Purple Mash scheme, which provides a clear framework for lesson planning while allowing flexibility to link learning to wider curriculum themes.

Across the school:

• Knowledge and skills are sequenced to ensure systematic progression.

• Learning is revisited regularly to support retention and deeper understanding.

• Cross-curricular links are used to motivate pupils and strengthen connections in learning.

The curriculum ensures balanced coverage of the three main strands of computing:

• Computer Science

• Information Technology

• Digital Literacy

Pupils experience all three strands each year, with content becoming increasingly complex. For example, pupils begin by understanding algorithms in Key Stage 1 and progress to designing, writing and debugging programs in Key Stage 2, explaining their thinking clearly.

Impact

Our computing curriculum results in engaging, high-quality learning that supports pupils to become confident and independent users of technology.

As a result, pupils:

• Develop strong problem-solving and logical thinking skills.

• Gain confidence in using a range of digital tools and technologies.

• Demonstrate independence and resilience when tackling challenges.

Pupils leave Marlborough Road Academy with the knowledge and skills needed for the next stage of their education and beyond. They are able to apply their understanding through research, presentation and creative tasks, and are well prepared for future learning and potential careers in an increasingly digital world.

Progress is evident through pupils building on prior learning over time and demonstrating increasing confidence, independence and competence across all areas of computing.