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Computing

Hello! My name is Ms. Dixon-Ricketts and I lead computing at Elms Farm Primary School. I think computing is so important to learn at primary school because in the modern day we use computers every single day of our lives. At Elms Farm we learn how to use them well and safely. 

Computing at Elms Farm

Computing is a vital part of the curriculum at Elms Farm Primary School and is taught from Nursery to Year 6. It equips pupils with essential digital skills that prepare them for life in a technology-driven world, fostering computational thinking, creativity, and problem-solving abilities (National Curriculum, 2013). These skills are increasingly recognised as foundational for future learning and employment, enabling children to become active participants in a digital society (Unterweger et al., 2025). 

Our approach integrates computing across the curriculum, using a range of websites, apps, and software to enhance learning in other subjects. In EYFS, we follow the Barefoot Computational Thinking framework, which emphasises problem-solving strategies and unplugged activities to build conceptual understanding (Barefoot Computing, 2025). In Key Stages 1 and 2, we deliver the curriculum through the Teach Computing scheme developed by the National Centre for Computing Education (NCCE). This scheme is grounded in twelve evidence-based pedagogy principles, including semantic waves for concept development, pair programming for collaboration, and physical computing for hands-on engagement (NCCE Pedagogy Principles, 2025).

In addition to core computing concepts, our curriculum includes annual units on touch typing and word processing from Year 1 to Year 6. Research shows that touch typing improves writing fluency, spelling, and cognitive efficiency by reducing transcription load, allowing pupils to focus on higher-order composition skills (van Weerdenburg et al., 2019; Gahshan & Weintraub, 2024). These skills not only support academic success but also prepare pupils for the practical demands of modern education and future workplaces. This year we are starting to explore teaching how to use AI well and the safety aspects around it. 

By embedding computing in meaningful contexts and prioritising both technical and creative aspects, Elms Farm ensures that pupils develop confidence, competence, and curiosity in the digital world.

Aims:

The National Curriculum for Computing aims to ensure that all pupils:

  • can understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation
  • can analyse problems in computational terms, and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems can evaluate and apply information technology, including new or unfamiliar technologies, analytically to solve problems
  • are responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology.

Learning Journey

Online Safety

At EFPS we aim to equip children with the knowledge and understanding of how to stay safe online. There are weekly class assemblies using the resources from National Online Safety which address the key safeguarding themes highlighted in KCSiE. 

Documents

E-safety tips for parents

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