In today’s rapidly evolving and digitally saturated world, children are growing up surrounded by technology that shapes how they think, interact, and learn. From a young age, they are immersed in online content and digital devices - often before fully understanding their power and impact. At Shiremoor Primary School, we believe in preparing our pupils not just to consume technology, but to become curious, critical, and empowered creators of it. Our computing curriculum reflects the importance of nurturing safe, ethical, and skilled digital citizens, ready to thrive in an increasingly connected and fast-paced world.

Our ambitious and inclusive computing curriculum is rooted in the National Curriculum and designed to be ambitious, purposeful, and forward-thinking. It enables all pupils to become confident, creative, and responsible users of technology. The curriculum is carefully sequenced from Early Years to Year 6, ensuring children develop secure, age-appropriate knowledge and skills across the three key strands: Computer Science, Information Technology, and Digital Literacy.

In EYFS, pupils are introduced to technology through playful and exploratory experiences. They discover how technology is used in everyday life and begin interacting with simple devices such as mice and computers. Early computational thinking is fostered through both unplugged and plugged activities, including the use of Bee-Bots. Teamwork and communication are introduced through LEGO League Discover, encouraging children to collaborate, share ideas, and express creativity from the start.

As children move through school, key computing concepts are revisited, deepened, and applied in increasingly sophisticated ways. Coding is developed from Scratch Jr in Key Stage 1 to Scratch, Micro:Bit, and eventually Python in upper Key Stage 2. Pupils also explore databases, computer networks, and website creation, giving them insight into the real-world systems that underpin our digital lives.

These skills come to life through First LEGO League Explore and Challenge, where pupils investigate real-world problems, research a themed topic, design and build an interactive motorised model, and present their ideas to others. This fosters creative problem-solving, innovation, resilience, and articulate communication – all vital skills for the modern world of work.

Online Safety is a central and non-negotiable strand of our curriculum. It is explicitly taught at the start of every half term and embedded across computing and wider learning. Pupils learn to use technology safely, respectfully, and responsibly, exploring vital themes such as:

• Online identity and digital footprints

• Consent, privacy, and data protection

• Cyberbullying and respectful online behaviour

• Copyright, misinformation, and fake news

• Safe communication and knowing how to report concerns

These themes are interwoven with our teaching of British Values:

• Individual Liberty – understanding privacy, online identity, and freedom to speak up

• Mutual Respect – fostering positive digital relationships and responsible gaming

• Rule of Law – recognising acceptable and unacceptable online use, including copyright and reporting

• Tolerance – exploring online bias, representation, and inclusion

• Democracy – using digital platforms responsibly to express ideas and opinions

Our computing curriculum is fully mapped to our PSHE provision and underpins our broader Personal Development offer. Children are encouraged to reflect on digital responsibility, ethical choices, teamwork, and wellbeing. Topics such as cyberbullying, digital resilience, screen time, and safe online communication are addressed with increasing depth as pupils grow.

By the time they leave Shiremoor Primary, our pupils are equipped not only with strong digital skills, but with the analytical mindset, confidence, and flexibility to adapt in a world where technology is continuously evolving. They are well prepared for secondary school and the future workplace, where careers in software development, digital engineering, data science, robotics, and other tech-driven industries will play a major role in shaping society. Our pupils understand that computing isn’t just about using technology – it’s about shaping the future through it.