At Ironville & Codnor Park, we aim to give every child the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in an increasingly digital world. Our Computing curriculum builds strong foundations in computational thinking, digital literacy and online safety. We want pupils to become confident, creative and responsible users of technology who can solve problems, make informed choices and use digital tools independently. Above all, we aim to prepare children to be safe, capable and adaptable digital citizens.

In the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), our curriculum establishes the foundations for children’s understanding of the digital world. Our dedicated staff create a rich, stimulating environment where children explore technology through purposeful play and hands-on discovery. To support this, we follow the Barefoot Computing approach, which provides engaging, high‑quality, unplugged activities designed to develop early computational thinking skills such as logic, sequencing, problem-solving and pattern-spotting. These resources help children build an intuitive understanding of the key ideas behind computing in a way that feels natural, playful and enjoyable. Through this approach, children begin to make sense of the technology-rich world around them and develop the curiosity, confidence and foundational skills they will continue to build on throughout their school journey.

As children progress into Key Stage One and Two (KS1 and KS2), Computing is taught both as a discrete subject and, where appropriate, integrated into cross-curricular activities. We recognise that every child possesses unique abilities and experiences. Therefore, we are committed to providing suitable learning opportunities for all, carefully matching the challenge of each task to individual needs. This ensures every child can thrive and develop their computing skills at their own pace and to their full potential. 

As children move into Key Stage One and Key Stage Two (KS1 and KS2), Computing is taught both as a discrete subject and through meaningful links with other curriculum areas. We understand that every child brings their own strengths and experiences, so we carefully match the level of challenge to individual needs. This ensures all pupils can grow in confidence, develop independence and build their computing skills at a pace that is right for them.

We utilise the Purple Mash scheme of work as the foundation for our computing curriculum. This comprehensive scheme thoughtfully integrates the three core aspects of the national computing curriculum:

• Information Technology (IT): We empower children to be effective and discerning technology users, covering essential areas such as multimedia creation (digital imagery, music, and sound) and data handling.
• Digital Literacy (DL): We foster responsible and effective participation in the digital world through an emphasis on communication, collaboration, and safe digital exploration. Children learn to navigate online environments confidently and securely.
• Computer Science (CS): We introduce foundational computing principles through practical activities like digital exploration, programming, coding, and device control. This develops crucial problem-solving and logical thinking skills. We dedicate longer units to Computer Science to ensure a robust and comprehensive understanding.

Our approach to computing education extends beyond merely using devices; it's about equipping children with the essential skills, knowledge, and understanding to thrive in an increasingly digital world. We aim to foster computational thinking, digital literacy, and a deep appreciation for the role technology plays in society.

Our Computing subject leader crafts a two-year cycle overview using Purple Mash’s mixed-age Long Term Plan. This ensures a comprehensive and balanced curriculum, carefully weighting units to prioritise the more complex and foundational aspects of computer science.

Medium-term plans are then developed using Purple Mash’s pre-made resources, which are fully aligned with the National Curriculum. These plans provide detailed information for each unit of work, including supportive teacher Continuous Professional Development (CPD) videos, engaging lesson PowerPoints, and clear key learning objectives. Crucially, these plans also offer valuable scaffolding strategies and highlight essential key vocabulary to support all learners.

We encourage staff to seek opportunities to link computing with other areas of the curriculum wherever possible, allowing children to apply and deepen their understanding in meaningful contexts. Our curriculum is designed with planned progression at its core, ensuring that children are continuously challenged as they advance through the school.

Units are carefully sequenced to build upon prior learning, and for units where a refresher might be beneficial, we incorporate 'crash course' lessons. These short, focused sessions allow children to revisit and recall previous learning, ensuring they have the necessary foundational knowledge before embarking on new concepts.

We are deeply committed to providing all children with the opportunities to develop their computing skills and knowledge, fostering their curiosity and preparing them to be confident and capable digital citizens.

• Computing Programmes of Study: Key Stages 1 and 2 National curriculum in England
• Key Stage One Computing Glossary (BBC) BBC Bitesize
• Key Stage Two Computing Glossary (BBC) BBC Bitesize
• Online Safety
• Staying Safe Online

• Barefoot Computing: Colourful Kits Learn all about patterns, logic and debugging through a series of sporting themed activities.

• Barefoot Computing: Sorting it out There's a goat in the pig pen! Help Barefoot Farm sort out this mess.

• Barefoot Computing: Barefoot Zoo Help Ranger Jack use the powers of abstraction to save his struggling zoo!

• Code Monkey Program the monkey to collect the bananas & find the treasure.

• Scratch: Beebot Treasure Create stories, games, and animations Share with others around the world

• Tynker Tynker is the fun way to learn programming and develop problem-solving & critical thinking skills. Our new bundles include up to 3 kids and all 3 Tynker Apps!

• Asteroid Blasters Jump onboard the Asteroid Blaster space-ship and learn all about variables

• Barefoot Zoo Help Ranger Jack use the powers of abstraction to save his struggling zoo!

• Code Cracking Learn about code cracking in WW11 and use your evaluation skills to help stop the invasion!

• Create your own 'Flappy Bird' game Create your own 'Flappy Bird' game - Follow the online instructions to program a bird to fly through the obstacles.

• The Diamond The Diamond - Dr Mischief has stolen the world's biggest diamond. Use logic and algorithms to get it back

• Tynker

• Wayfinding with Moana Wayfinding with Moana - Follow the online instructions to program the way for Moana & Maui, so that they can go fishing.