Computing at St Mary’s Hampton
At St Mary’s Hampton, we believe that computing is an essential part of a rich and balanced curriculum. Through computing, pupils develop the knowledge, skills and understanding they need to participate safely, confidently and creatively in an increasingly digital world. Computing supports pupils to think logically, solve problems and express ideas using technology, while also developing resilience, independence and collaboration.
Our computing curriculum is based on the Teach Computing scheme of work and is designed to meet the requirements of the National Curriculum for Computing. It provides a clear and progressive structure from Key Stage 1 through to Key Stage 2, ensuring that knowledge and skills are built upon year by year. Key concepts are revisited and reinforced so that learning becomes embedded over time.
The curriculum covers the three main strands of the National Curriculum:
- Computer science
- Information technology
- Digital literacy, including online safety
How Computing Is Taught
At St Mary’s Hampton, computing is taught through a carefully sequenced and engaging curriculum using the Teach Computing scheme. Lessons follow a spiral approach, allowing pupils to revisit key concepts while gradually increasing complexity and depth of understanding.
Lessons provide opportunities for pupils to:
- Understand how computer systems work
- Develop computational thinking and problem-solving skills
- Create and debug simple programs
- Use technology purposefully to create, organise and present digital content
- Learn how to use the internet and digital technologies safely and responsibly
Teaching places a strong emphasis on hands-on learning, with pupils encouraged to explore, experiment and apply their skills through practical activities. Concepts are introduced in a clear and age-appropriate way, supported by modelling, discussion and guided practice.
In Key Stage 1, pupils begin to understand what algorithms are and how they are used, create and debug simple programs, and learn how to use technology safely. In Key Stage 2, pupils build on these foundations by designing, writing and debugging more complex programs, using a wider range of software and understanding networks, data and digital systems.
Computing lessons promote participation, repetition and retrieval, supporting pupils to retain learning and apply it confidently in different contexts. The curriculum is inclusive and designed to support all learners, including pupils with SEND.
How Computing Is Assessed
Assessment in computing at St Mary’s Hampton is ongoing and formative, focusing on pupils’ progress in developing knowledge, skills and understanding rather than comparison with others.
Teachers assess learning through:
- Observation of pupils’ engagement and confidence during practical activities
- Questioning and discussion to check understanding of key concepts
- Review of digital outcomes, programs and projects over time
- Pupils’ ability to explain their thinking, identify errors and improve their work
Progress is measured by how well pupils develop their understanding of computing concepts, their ability to apply skills independently and their confidence in using technology safely and responsibly. This approach ensures that assessment supports learning and recognises progress at every stage.
Across the school, computing at St Mary’s Hampton is designed to be engaging, purposeful and ambitious, helping pupils to become confident digital citizens and preparing them well for future learning and life in a digital world.