“Those who can imagine anything, can create the impossible.”
 Alan Turing

 

INTENT

Teaching computing in our curriculum is essential as it equips our children with vital skills for the digital age, preparing them for future careers in a technology-driven world. By engaging with concepts such as coding, problem-solving, and data, our children develop critical thinking and creativity, which are fundamental in a large number of industries. Moreover, fostering a strong foundation in computing enables them to become not just users of technology, but innovators who can create solutions to real-world problems. Ultimately, our goal is to nurture Truly Great digital leaders who possess both technical expertise and the ability to collaborate effectively, thereby contributing meaningfully to society and the evolving job market.

Our Core Values provide the platform on which we have built our curriculum offer at Barnburgh Primary Academy. Our computing curriculum is underpinned by our Core Values in the following ways;

 

COURAGE: In Barnburgh, teaching courage in computing means helping children see mistakes as a normal and valuable part of learning. Teachers create a safe classroom environment where pupils feel comfortable experimenting, taking risks, and sharing their ideas, even if they are not right the first time. Activities like debugging encourage children to try new approaches without fear of failure. By highlighting real-world stories of perseverance in computing and using supportive language such as “not yet” instead of “wrong,” teachers nurture resilience, curiosity, and confidence—key ingredients for courageous learners in computing.

 

PERSEVERANCE: In Barnburgh, perseverance in computing is taught by encouraging children to keep trying when they face challenges. Teachers model persistence by showing that even experts make mistakes and need multiple attempts to succeed. Breaking tasks into smaller, manageable steps helps children experience small wins that build confidence to continue. Pair work can provide peer support, showing that sticking with a problem is easier when working together. Celebrating effort and progress, not just the final outcome, helps children see that perseverance is a valuable part of learning and success in computing.

 

RESPECT: In Barnburgh, respect in computing is taught by showing children how to use technology responsibly and kindly. This includes respecting other people’s ideas when working on group projects, listening carefully, and giving helpful, positive feedback instead of criticism. Teachers also highlight the importance of respecting digital content by discussing copyright, fair use, and why it’s important to give credit for others’ work. Classroom rules about taking care of devices, using polite language online, and valuing everyone’s contributions help children understand that respect is just as important in the digital world as it is in everyday life.

 

AMBITION: In Barnburgh, ambition in computing is taught by encouraging children to set goals that challenge them and to take pride in aiming high. Teachers inspire ambition by showing exciting possibilities of technology and helping pupils see that their ideas can make a real difference. Providing projects allows children to be creative, think big, and take ownership of their learning, while celebrating both effort and achievement. By highlighting role models in technology and praising pupils for striving to improve, teachers nurture ambition and a belief that they can achieve great things through computing.

 

INDEPENDENCE :In Barnburgh, independence in computing is taught by giving children opportunities to make choices, solve problems on their own, and take responsibility for their learning. Teachers encourage this by setting tasks where pupils explore and experiment before asking for help, such as trying different ways to debug a program. Providing step-by-step resources, like help cards or simple tutorials, allows pupils to practice working things out independently while still having support nearby. Celebrating moments when children persevere and find their own solutions helps build confidence and shows that independence is a valuable skill in computing and beyond.

 

Please find the computing progression document below. This is a working document.