The Primary National Curriculum for computing is split into three strands: information technology, digital literacy and computer science.

• Information technology is about the use of computers for functional purposes, such as collecting and presenting information, or using search technology.
• Digital literacy is about the safe and responsible use of technology, including recognising its advantages for collaboration and communication.
• Computer science helps children of all ages to understand how computers and networks work.  It gives all children the opportunity to learn basic computer programmes from simple floor robots in Years 1 and 2, right up to creating on-screen computer games and programmes by Year 6, using programming software such as Scratch or Kodu.

At The Stoke Poges School, we intend to prepare our children to be confident and competent within a world that is heavily shaped by technology.

We recognise that our children, like many others, are using technology on a daily basis at home and school therefore, within our curriculum, we aim to develop knowledge, understanding and confidence to ensure our children go through education and beyond being able to apply the computing skills they have learnt in everyday situations.

We aim to develop independent learners who are fluent in their understanding of computer science by teaching them how to use a range of programs where they are able to design, create and evaluate their work using specific vocabulary.  We ensure that the children have access to a range of hardware and software that enhances their learning across all curriculum subjects.

We ensure our children are taught the importance of safe Internet use.  In every year group, e-safety is a key focus and lessons include regular teaching of e-safety to ensure that children feel confident when using computers and the Internet, and know what to do if they come across something either inappropriate or uncomfortable.

At The Stoke Poges School we use Rising Stars Switched on Computing as the basis of our weekly Computing lessons.  Each term has a different focus, shared by all the year groups but with progressively more complex outcomes and contexts.

Our ambition, for our children, is for them to leave us developing their digital literacy and being able to safely use technology and develop their ideas through information and communication technology, which they will be able to apply to their further education and future career to become masters of technology in the rapidly changing digital world.