Computing at Portsdown Primary School and Early Years

At Portsdown Primary School and Early Years, we believe that technology should be used to support and enhance the children’s learning. We know that computing will play a huge part in the children’s futures and, therefore, feel that it is essential that we provide the children with confidence in technology in a rapidly changing world.

At Portsdown Primary School and Early Years, the children will be supported so that they can understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation.  They will be supported to  analyse problems in computational terms, and they will have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems. They will have opportunities to evaluate and apply information technology, including new or unfamiliar technologies, analytically to solve problems. They will learn to be responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and
communication technology, including through regular e-safety learning.

The children will learn the three core principles of computing:

  • computer science;
  • information technology;
  • programming.

Computing in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS): the nursery and Year R

Computing in the Nursery and Year R is a key part of the ‘Understanding the World’ area of the EYFS Curriculum (although there are also key links to the Physical Development; Personal, Social and Emotional Development; and Literacy areas of the EYFS Curriculum). Within the provision at Portsdown Primary School and Early Years, in the EYFS, there are toys and equipment that allow the children to practise computational and logical thinking. Children have access to tablets, computers, programmable devices and interactive whiteboards to be able to practise and develop their computing skills. Within the role play areas, they will also have access to decommissioned digital devices. Children will discuss online safety through stories and role play.

EYFS Statutory Framework

Key Stage 1

The children at Portsdown Primary School and Early Years, will be taught to:

  • understand what algorithms are; how they are implemented as programs on digital devices; and that programs execute by following precise and unambiguous instructions
  •  create and debug simple programs
  • use logical reasoning to predict the behaviour of simple programs
  • use technology purposefully to create, organise, store, manipulate and retrieve digital
    content
  •  recognise common uses of information technology beyond school
  • use technology safely and respectfully, keeping personal information private; identify where to go for help and support when they have concerns about content or contact on the internet or other online technologies.

Key stage 2

The children at Portsdown Primary School and Early Years, will be taught to:

  • design, write and debug programs that accomplish specific goals, including controlling or simulating physical systems; solve problems by decomposing them into smaller parts
  • use sequence, selection, and repetition in programs; work with variables and various forms of input and output
  • use logical reasoning to explain how some simple algorithms work and to detect and correct errors in algorithms and programs
  • understand computer networks including the internet; how they can provide multiple services, such as the world wide web; and the opportunities they offer for communication and collaboration
  • use search technologies effectively, appreciate how results are selected and ranked, and be discerning in evaluating digital content
  • select, use and combine a variety of software (including internet services) on a range of digital devices to design and create a range of programs, systems and content that accomplish given goals, including collecting, analysing, evaluating and presenting data
    and information
  • use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly; recognise acceptable/unacceptable behaviour; identify a range of ways to report concerns about content and contact.

National Curriculum for Computing KS1 and KS2

Computing Overview

Computing Progression of Skills

Computing Subject Report

Safer Internet Day 2023