Concepts

Key Concepts in the Computing Curriculum

Computing Systems and Networks:

• Pupils learn how computer systems work, including hardware, software, and networks. They explore how information is transmitted and the role of the internet in communication, helping them understand the infrastructure behind digital technology.

Programming:

• Children develop problem-solving skills by writing and debugging programs using algorithms. They learn to think computationally, using logic and sequence to create, test, and improve their programs across different platforms and coding languages.

Creating Media:

• Pupils use digital tools to create a range of media, such as images, video, sound, and text. They learn to combine different types of media creatively, exploring how technology can be used for communication, storytelling, and expression.

Data Handling:

• Children explore how data is collected, analysed, and represented using technology. They work with tools like spreadsheets and databases to organise, interpret, and present data, learning the importance of accuracy and efficiency in digital information processing.

Online Safety:

• This area emphasizes the importance of using the internet responsibly and safely. Pupils learn about privacy, security, digital footprint, cyberbullying, and how to identify and mitigate online risks. The aim is to empower them to make informed, safe decisions in the digital world.

The curriculum revisits these five key areas each year, with increasing depth and complexity, allowing children to build on prior knowledge and gain a comprehensive understanding of computing by the end of primary school.