Intent   

At Swalwell Primary School, we aim to deliver a high-quality computing education that inspires children to think creatively and critically. In line with the 2014 National Curriculum, our computing curriculum helps children understand how digital systems work and how they are designed and programmed.

Through engaging lessons, children develop key knowledge and skills across three main areas:

• Computer Science – learning how systems work and developing programming skills
• Information Technology – using computers to store, retrieve, and share information
• Digital Literacy – using technology safely, respectfully, and responsibly

Our curriculum is designed to build knowledge progressively across each key stage, giving children a strong foundation for future learning. By the time they leave Swalwell, pupils will be confident, responsible users of technology, ready to thrive in a digital world.

Implementation   

At Swalwell Primary School, computing is taught using a blocked curriculum approach, allowing children to build depth in their knowledge and skills over the course of each topic. Teachers use detailed medium-term plans to guide their lessons, often linking computing to exciting contexts in other subjects to make learning meaningful and memorable.

We are well-equipped with a computing suite, shared laptops, and sets of iPads, ensuring all year groups have regular access to a range of devices and software. This enables children to use technology across the wider curriculum as well as in dedicated computing lessons.

Cross-curricular links help motivate pupils and support them in making connections between concepts, reinforcing their understanding and helping them retain key learning.

Each year group experiences all three areas, with knowledge and skills becoming more specific and advanced over time. For example, children in Key Stage 1 learn what algorithms are, while those in Key Stage 2 move on to designing, writing, and debugging their own programs—explaining the thinking behind their code.

Impact   

At Swalwell Primary School, our approach to computing results in a fun, engaging, and high-quality learning experience. Children’s progress is captured in their personal network folders and class floorbooks, providing valuable evidence of their learning journey. This helps teachers plan future lessons, revisit misconceptions, and address knowledge gaps—ensuring all pupils make good progress at their own pace.

The skills and knowledge gained in computing lessons prepare children for the next stage of their education and beyond. From research and presentation skills to creative tools and critical thinking, our curriculum gives pupils the building blocks they need for success in secondary school, further education, and future careers.

Inclusion

At Swalwell Primary School, we believe that computing should be accessible to all children. Lessons often involve group or paired work using our Computing Suite, laptops, iPads, or practical tools like Beebots. Independent tasks are also built into lessons to support assessment and individual progress.

We are committed to ensuring that children with special educational needs (SEN) can fully engage with the computing curriculum. Teachers adapt lessons to meet individual needs, setting appropriate challenges and using a range of strategies to support learning.

Where needed, computing is used to support SEN pupils on a one-to-one basis. We also make use of accessibility features and adapted resources—such as adjustable font sizes, speech recognition tools, coloured backgrounds, and screen printouts—to ensure every child can participate and succeed.

Computing at Swalwell is part of a broad and balanced curriculum that helps all children develop essential digital skills for life.

Computing Champions

We currently have 6 Computing Champions, who support their peers, promote confidence within computing, discuss plans and ideas for the subject, share their views and help to deliver assemblies.