Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Primary School

Computing

EYFS
Computing learning in Reception introduces children to the basics of technology and online safety in a fun and accessible way. They begin by understanding the importance of keeping personal information private and knowing who to talk to if they feel unsafe online. Through engaging activities, they explore child-friendly websites and learn about everyday technology, from tablets and phones to ATMs and smart speakers. Hands-on experiences with keyboards, touchscreens, and programmable toys help develop their confidence in using different types of technology. Digital drawing and simple animations provide opportunities for creativity, while problem-solving skills grow through sequencing, patterns, and logical thinking. Unplugged activities and Beebots introduce them to algorithms, teaching them how to give and follow simple instructions—an early step toward coding. By building a foundation in digital awareness and computational thinking, Reception children develop the essential skills needed to engage safely and confidently in an increasingly digital world. 
Year One
Computing learning in Year 1 helps pupils develop a strong foundation in understanding technology and its role in everyday life. They begin by recognizing different types of technology both in and out of school and distinguishing between objects that use modern technology, such as microwaves, and those that do not. Pupils learn the importance of keeping personal information private, such as usernames and passwords, and practice saving their work securely in their own private space, like their My Work folder on Purple Mash. As they explore digital content, they develop skills in sorting, editing, and storing information using simple online tools, including quizzes, pictograms, and basic coding activities. Through hands-on experiences, pupils grasp the concept of algorithms—sets of instructions designed to solve a problem—and learn how computer programs turn these algorithms into code. They experiment with coding by identifying errors in a sequence, writing their own simple algorithms, and making logical attempts to fix unexpected outcomes in activities like Bubbles in 2Code. By reading code one line at a time, they begin to anticipate the overall effect of a program, improving their problem-solving and computational thinking skills in a fun and engaging way.
 
Atlanta says we use Purple Mash on the laptops.  We made avatars that look like us!  It was fun! 
 
Elsie-Mae says we can do art on the computer and make our own pictures using different brushes and colours.  
Year Two

Computing learning in Year 2 helps pupils develop essential digital skills, from searching for information to understanding coding principles. They learn to retrieve relevant content using search engines and apply these skills beyond the classroom, making connections between everyday technology, coding, and multimedia projects such as animations and interactive programs. Pupils explore safe online practices, understanding the risks of inappropriate searches and how digital content is shared electronically, such as posting work on the Purple Mash display board. They also develop confidence in using email safely through 2Respond activities, recognizing ways to report inappropriate online behavior to a trusted adult. In organizing digital data, pupils use tools like 2Investigate for databases,  gaining confidence in saving and retrieving their work. Through coding, they refine their understanding of algorithms—sets of instructions for completing tasks—and learn the importance of precision in program design. By creating simple programs, debugging errors, and identifying cause-and-effect sequences, pupils develop problem-solving skills and a logical approach to computing, building the foundations for more advanced digital literacy.

Year Three

Computing learning in Year 3 helps pupils develop key skills in online safety, digital communication, data handling, and coding. They learn the importance of keeping passwords secure and understand the risks of sharing personal information. Through tools like 2Email in Purple Mash, they explore responsible online conduct and become aware of different ways to report unacceptable content. Pupils practice retrieving digital content using search engines, recognizing how the internet connects them to information. They develop skills in collecting, analyzing, and presenting data using branching databases and graphical tools while considering which software is most suitable for a task. In coding, they break down real-life situations into algorithms and learn to debug errors that prevent a program from functioning correctly. They experiment with timers and repetition to refine their coding sequences, improving their logical thinking. Pupils also explore different methods of online communication, such as sending and attaching files via email, while applying appropriate conventions to digital interactions. These experiences build their confidence in navigating the digital world safely and effectively.

Saanchi says that computing is important to help our typing skills for when we grow up and so that we can use the internet to find out where to go! 

 

Year Four 
Computing learning in Year 4 encourages pupils to deepen their understanding of online safety, digital literacy, and programming skills. They explore key online safety concepts through tools like 2Connect, helping others recognize the importance of protecting personal information and knowing how to report inappropriate content or contact. As they refine their ability to use search engines, pupils assess the credibility of webpages and make informed software choices when presenting data, using platforms such as 2Publish+ and Virtual Display Boards to share their work. In coding, they develop logical thinking by designing algorithms that incorporate selection and repetition, making intuitive attempts to debug programs and using timers to refine repetition effects. They experiment with ‘IF statements’ for decision-making, manipulate variables to store and process data, and work with user inputs and outputs in 2Code. Through structured programming, they learn to identify and correct errors using step-through methods while confidently predicting outcomes in programs like Logo. Pupils also gain insight into computer networks, recognizing how devices connect and understanding the online safety considerations associated with different forms of digital communication. This knowledge strengthens their ability to navigate the digital world safely and effectively.
 
Chinemerem says that she likes to learn new coding skills. 
 
Alfie says that computing is important because we need computers to help us with our everyday life! 
Year Five 
Computing learning in Year 5 supports pupils in developing a strong understanding of online safety, digital literacy, and coding skills. They demonstrate responsible online behavior, applying key safety rules and recognizing the importance of protecting personal privacy and mental wellbeing. Pupils refine their ability to search for digital content with greater complexity, critically evaluating the credibility of webpages and their information. They confidently improve digital solutions based on feedback and collaborate using tools like 2Code and online platforms such as 2Blog, Display Boards, and 2Email. In coding, pupils deconstruct real-life scenarios into algorithms, testing and debugging their programs logically while developing efficient structures using sequence, selection, and repetition. As they refine their programming designs, they consider the importance of debugging, structuring their code for clarity with organized tabs and meaningful variable names. They expand their understanding of computer networks, recognizing their value while remaining aware of potential risks. Through various digital communication methods, pupils learn to select the most appropriate format for their audience, building confidence in navigating and contributing to the digital world safely and effectively.
Year Six
Computing learning in Year 6 equips pupils with advanced digital skills, focusing on online safety, critical thinking, and sophisticated programming techniques. They develop awareness of safe and respectful technology use, recognizing more subtle inappropriate online behaviors through activities like 2Respond. Privacy becomes a key focus, helping pupils understand the importance of safeguarding personal information for their own and others’ safety. As they refine their ability to search for digital content, they apply filters, assess webpage credibility in detail, and compare sources for accuracy and reliability. They engage in digital content creation, designing their own blogs on platforms like 2Blog and evaluating the effectiveness of digital solutions, making refinements based on clear criteria. In programming, pupils learn to break down complex tasks into logical algorithms using abstraction, translating these into structured code that incorporates sequence, selection, and repetition, including nested structures. They develop their understanding of variables, user inputs, outputs like sound and movement, and the role of functions in coding. Debugging skills strengthen as pupils systematically analyze errors, using logical methods to identify faulty lines of code and correct them. By interpreting programs in parts and reconstructing them to see the bigger picture, pupils gain confidence in applying computational thinking, preparing them for further digital challenges.