Subject Intent

At Brackley C of E Junior School, our Computing curriculum enables every child to flourish in a world shaped by technology. Guided by our vision of “Life in all its fullness”, we aim to provide pupils with the knowledge, skills and confidence to use technology creatively, responsibly and safely, while fostering innovation.

We follow the National Centre for Computing Education (NCCE) scheme of work, which is ambitious, progressive and carefully sequenced. This ensures pupils build secure foundations in computer science, information technology and digital literacy, revisiting and deepening their understanding as they move through the school. By structuring learning in this way, children develop strong computational thinking, practical programming skills and digital awareness that prepare them for the future.

Our curriculum is inclusive and designed so that every child can succeed. We recognise that some groups of children may require more targeted support in order to thrive, and we are committed to ensuring that no pupil is held back by barriers such as background, gender, additional needs, ethnicity or disability. The NCCE scheme supports this through engaging contexts, varied teaching approaches and resources that meet the needs of all learners. Lessons are designed to spark curiosity, encourage problem-solving and promote collaboration, while recognising and valuing different learning styles.

Through Computing at Brackley C of E Junior School we aim to equip pupils with the ability to design, create and evaluate digital content with purpose and creativity; develop logical thinking and critical problem-solving through coding, programming and systems understanding; ensure pupils are responsible, respectful and safe users of technology, with a clear understanding of digital risks and opportunities; provide opportunities for collaboration, innovation and real-world application of computing skills; and inspire ambition and adaptability, preparing children for future study, work and participation in a rapidly evolving digital world.

Our Computing curriculum nurtures curiosity and creativity while instilling responsibility and resilience. In doing so, pupils achieve academic success and develop the skills and values they need to live “life in all its fullness.”

 

Subject Implementation

At Brackley C of E Junior School, our Computing curriculum is delivered following the NCCE structure, ensuring a progressive, and ambitious approach to learning. Lessons are carefully sequenced so that pupils build on prior knowledge and skills, developing a deep and secure understanding of computer science, digital literacy, and information technology. The NCCE scheme provides clear progression across all strands of computing, enabling pupils to revisit and consolidate skills while extending their understanding as they move through the school.

Our teaching approaches are engaging, practical, and inclusive, designed to ensure all pupils can access learning regardless of barriers. Lessons incorporate hands-on coding, digital creation, problem-solving tasks, and collaborative projects, providing opportunities for real-world application of computing skills. We recognise that some pupils require more targeted support to thrive, and lessons are carefully planned to scaffold learning, provide challenge, and enable success for all. Structured, step-by-step approaches are taken to ensure that children who struggle with working memory can still access and progress through their learning. Programs used for coding, such as Scratch and Turtle Academy, break down the task structure into more accessible chunks to make computing learning more accessible. This practical, hands-on approach is designed to engage all children, specifically supporting boys’ engagement and skill acquisition. When using new software or hardware, time is given to explore and experiment with guidance to foster this engagement and excitement. Furthermore, extra vocabulary scaffolding is provided for disadvantaged pupils where appropriate, such as at the beginning of a new unit when exploring the new topic. Cross-curricular links are also made wherever possible, helping pupils apply computing knowledge and skills in other subjects and making learning more relevant and meaningful.

Assessment is ongoing and formative, using teacher observation, pupil discussion, practical outcomes, and digital portfolios to monitor progress. Pupils receive timely feedback to celebrate achievements, address misconceptions, and support development. Mid-term reviews allow identification of pupils who may require additional assistance, ensuring that targeted interventions help all children reach their potential.

We apply frequent project-based learning to encourage exploration, creativity, and problem-solving. Pupils are taught to be responsible, safe, and respectful digital citizens, with a clear understanding of the ethical, social, and economic implications of technology.

Through these approaches, our Computing curriculum ensures that pupils develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence to thrive in a digital world. It provides a strong foundation for future study, nurtures curiosity and creativity, and prepares pupils to live “life in all its fullness.”

Subject Impact

At Brackley C of E Junior School, the impact of our Computing curriculum is evident in pupils’ growing confidence, knowledge, and skills across a wide range of digital technologies. As they progress through the school, pupils demonstrate increasing familiarity with different types of digital devices and are able to use them effectively to create, problem-solve, and explore new concepts. The structured, progressive approach of the NCCE scheme enables children to build on prior learning and develop competence in using a variety of software, programs, and coding platforms.

Pupil feedback indicates that children can make clear connections between their computing learning and real-life applications, including potential career opportunities in the digital world. They enjoy the wide variety of devices and programs they encounter, particularly when coding and developing their own digital solutions, which fosters engagement, creativity, and resilience. Pupils are also able to discuss internet safety in detail, demonstrating a strong understanding of the risks and strategies required to stay safe online, reflecting the curriculum’s emphasis on responsible digital citizenship.

Staff feedback shows that teachers are confident delivering the NCCE lessons and comfortable using the range of devices, software, and programs required to teach the curriculum effectively. This confidence ensures lessons are consistently high-quality, inclusive, and engaging, and allows staff to support all pupils, including those requiring additional targeted assistance, to achieve their full potential.

Overall, the Computing curriculum at Brackley C of E Junior School equips pupils with the skills, knowledge, and understanding they need to thrive in a digital world. Pupils leave each year more confident, capable, and ambitious in their computing abilities, prepared for future study, work, and lifelong learning, and fully able to live “life in all its fullness.”