Computing
“We're changing the world with technology.”
Bill Gates
As digital learners at Padiham Green, we create, communicate, solve problems and learn how to use technology safely, responsibly and confidently.
At Padiham Green, Computing equips children with the knowledge and skills they need to understand and participate confidently in an increasingly digital world. We want children to become curious, creative and responsible users of technology who understand not only how to use digital tools, but how technology works and how it can be used purposefully.
Our Computing curriculum follows the National Curriculum for Computing and is delivered through the Purple Mash Computing Scheme of Work. Our curriculum is carefully sequenced from the Early Years to Year 6 so that children revisit and build upon their knowledge and skills as they move through school.
Learning is developed through the three key strands of Computing: Computer Science, Information Technology and Digital Literacy. Children learn about algorithms, programming and coding; use technology to create, organise and communicate information; and develop the knowledge needed to participate safely and responsibly in the digital world.
In the Early Years, children develop their understanding of technology through purposeful experiences across the curriculum. As they move through school, they encounter increasingly challenging learning including coding, spreadsheets, databases, effective searching, animation, word processing, networks, 3D modelling and an introduction to artificial intelligence.
Children are encouraged to experiment, solve problems, explain their thinking and learn from mistakes. We want them to become creators with technology, not simply consumers of it, recognising how digital tools can be used to communicate ideas, investigate questions, solve problems and create purposeful outcomes.
Online Safety
Keeping children safe in a digital world is an essential part of our curriculum. We use Purple Mash's 2BeSafe: Being Safe in a Digital World programme alongside our Computing curriculum to provide progressive online-safety education from Reception to Year 6.
Online safety is taught and revisited throughout the year, including through regular Computing lesson starters and, where appropriate, through links with PSHE and RSE. This reflects the Department for Education's Teaching Online Safety in Schools guidance and the Education for a Connected World framework.
Children explore age-appropriate aspects of digital life and learn how to recognise risks, protect personal information, behave respectfully, make responsible choices and know when and how to seek help. By revisiting these important messages regularly, we aim to ensure that safe and responsible technology use becomes embedded in children's everyday thinking.
Ultimately, we want our children to leave Padiham Green as confident, creative and responsible digital citizens. They should have secure foundations in Computer Science, Information Technology and Digital Literacy and the curiosity, resilience and knowledge they need to engage positively with an ever-changing digital world.