At James Watt Primary School, we recognise that computing is not just a subject, but an essential life skill. Technology is constantly evolving and is embedded into everyday life, future careers, communication and learning. Our aim is to provide children with the knowledge, skills and confidence to become capable, responsible and creative digital citizens.

We teach computing through a structured and progressive curriculum which ensures all pupils, regardless of background or prior experience, can succeed.

Curriculum Aims

Aims of Computing curriculum:

• To develop strong computational thinking and problem-solving skills
• To build confidence in using technology safely, responsibly and effectively
• To develop competence in programming, data handling and digital creativity
• To understand how computer systems and networks work
• To apply computing skills purposefully across the wider curriculum
• To foster curiosity and engagement with emerging technologies, including AI
• To prepare pupils for a future where digital technology plays a central role in society and employment

• To ensure all children know how to stay safe online
• To develop computing as a tool for learning and investigation

We want pupils to be able to use technology purposefully, not passively. Computing is a future-focused subject, and our curriculum is designed to ensure pupils develop the skills needed to thrive in a modern digital world.

Implementation

At James Watt Primary School, Computing is taught using the Kapow Primary Computing Scheme, which is carefully sequenced to ensure full coverage of the National Curriculum. Kapow recommends that Computing is taught for one hour per week, and this ensures pupils receive sufficient time to develop secure knowledge, practical skills and computational thinking across the year.

Kapow provides clear progression across key strands including:

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

Assessment in Computing

Assessment is an integral part of teaching and learning, as it determines whether the expectations are being met. At James Watt Primary School assessment in Computing is continuous, purposeful and used to inform next steps in learning.

Formative Assessment

Teachers use high-quality formative assessment within lessons regularly to assess understanding through:

• Targeted and higher order questioning
• Observation of pupils during practical tasks
• Discussion and peer interaction
• Strategic pause points to check comprehension
• Retrieval activities to assess retention
• Shared success criteria to enable self and peer assessment
• Short reflections during the wrapping up stage

Formative assessment informs teaching in real time, allowing staff to address misconceptions promptly and adapt instruction to meet the needs of all learners.

Summative Assessment

Teachers track pupil attainment at the end of each term. Evidence gathered through formative assessment informs our summative assessment tracker, which ensures progression is monitored carefully and that any gaps in knowledge or skills are identified and addressed.

Evidencing Work in Computing

Evidence of learning in Computing is saved securely via Microsoft Teams. Pupils’ digital work, including programming projects, presentations, data tasks and media outcomes, is uploaded and stored electronically.

This system allows:

• Work to be accessed at any time
• Clear evidence of progression across year groups
• Monitoring of curriculum coverage
• Secure storage of digital outcomes
• Subject leader oversight and evaluation

Using Microsoft Teams ensures Computing work is documented consistently and provides a clear record of learning over time.

Developing Digital Competence

At James Watt Primary School, our ambition is for every pupil to become digitally competent, confident and responsible in an increasingly technological world. Through our carefully designed curriculum, we equip pupils with transferable computing skills that prepare them not only for secondary education, but for the future workplace.

We ensure pupils move beyond basic digital use. While fundamental skills — such as using a mouse accurately, logging in independently, saving work correctly and navigating software — are explicitly taught and secured, our curriculum builds progressively on these foundations. Over time, pupils deepen both their technical ability and their understanding of how technology works.

Through our use of the Kapow Primary Computing Scheme, pupils are supported to meet the end of Key Stage attainment targets outlined in the National Curriculum. The curriculum is sequenced to ensure clear progression across Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2.

Pupils use a range of tools and platforms, including:

• Microsoft Word for structured writing and editing across subjects
• Microsoft PowerPoint to present learning in history, science and geography
• Microsoft Excel for handling and interpreting data
• Scratch and other age-appropriate coding platforms to develop programming skills

Computing skills are applied across the wider curriculum, allowing children to see technology as a purposeful tool for learning rather than an isolated subject.

We believe every child deserves the opportunity to succeed in a digital world — and our Computing curriculum is designed to make this ambition a reality. By fostering curiosity, resilience and creativity, we empower pupils to become not just users of technology, but thoughtful creators and responsible digital citizens, ready to thrive in an ever-evolving technological society. #MakingtheImpossiblePossible