Computing
Computing at Sawley Junior School
Technology is everywhere: from the devices we use, to the way we communicate, learn, and solve problems. At Sawley Junior School, we believe every pupil should leave with confidence not just in using technology, but in understanding how it works, being safe with it, and thinking creatively with it.
We use the Teach Computing scheme of work to guide our teaching, ensuring that computing is rigorous, progressive, and relevant to the modern world. Alongside this, we teach a dedicated programme of Online Safety lessons using the nationally recognised Project Evolve resources during the first term of every academic year. These lessons ensure pupils develop the knowledge and skills required to navigate an increasingly digital world safely and responsibly.
Our Intent
We want all pupils to:
- Become digital citizens who use technology safely, responsibly and ethically.
- Gain a solid grounding in computing concepts: how hardware and software work; data; algorithms; programming.
- Develop skills in coding, computational thinking, handling data, and creating digital content.
- See the relevance of computing for learning, future careers, and understanding the world around them.
- Be confident adapting to new digital tools and challenges.
- Have a secure understanding of how to stay safe in a modern digital world.
How We Teach Computing
With the Teach Computing scheme of work, our provision includes:
- A clear, progressive structure from Year 3 to Year 6 that builds knowledge year by year.
- Coverage of all the required strands: Computer Science (programming, algorithms), Information Technology (using digital tools and media), and Digital Literacy (being safe and effective online).
- Regular opportunities for hands-on learning through coding, creating media, exploring data and problem solving.
- Explicit teaching of vocabulary and concepts so pupils can explain what they are doing and understand the language of computing.
- Opportunities to revisit and build on prior learning, with scaffolded support to help all pupils succeed.
- A dedicated six-week Project Evolve Online Safety unit during the first term of each school year, ensuring pupils regularly revisit key messages around online relationships, identity, reputation, bullying, privacy, security and managing online information.
Online Safety Through Project Evolve
At Sawley Junior School, online safety is taught as a discrete unit during the first term and reinforced throughout the year across the curriculum. Using the Project Evolve framework, pupils develop age-appropriate understanding of:
- Self-image and identity online.
- Building positive and respectful online relationships.
- Understanding online reputation and digital footprints.
- Recognising and responding to online bullying.
- Managing online information and identifying misinformation.
- Privacy, personal information and online security.
As pupils progress through school, these themes are revisited in increasing depth. For example, pupils learn about online impersonation, healthy online behaviours, digital reputation, fake news, reporting concerns, password security and protecting their online identity.
Progression: Years 3-6
Below is an example of how computing skills and knowledge build over time using Teach Computing:
Key Focus Areas:
Year 3: Basic programming with block-based tools; understanding algorithms and sequencing; using digital media; online safety basics.
Year 4: More complex programming including loops and selection; using data; creating digital content; understanding online identity, respectful behaviour, online reputation, cyberbullying, bots and protecting personal information.
Year 5: Transition towards text-based programming; manipulating and analysing data; digital systems and networks; making responsible choices online, recognising misinformation, understanding online judgement and developing secure password practices.
Year 6: More advanced projects; combining media, data and programming; preparing for future computing learning; protecting online reputation, reporting concerns, managing online relationships and understanding digital responsibility.
Our Approach
- Computing lessons are hands-on: we believe doing is learning.
- Differentiation ensures that all pupils, including those with special educational needs, are supported and challenged appropriately.
- Strong links with other subjects through research, presentations, modelling, reporting and writing.
- A strong emphasis on digital safety and citizenship, with online safety taught both discretely through Project Evolve and embedded throughout the wider curriculum.
- Ongoing professional development: our computing subject lead works with staff to ensure high-quality, up-to-date practice.
Why Computing Matters
Because computing is not just a subject, it is a tool for thinking. It encourages problem solving, logical reasoning, creativity and adaptability. In a rapidly changing technological world, we want our pupils to be creators, not just users; to approach change with curiosity, confidence and responsibility.
Please visit our Stay Safe Online page:
For more information about the Teach Computing curriculum:
For more information about our online safety curriculum: