In line with the National Curriculum (2014), we aim to ensure children are receiving high-quality computing whereby they are able to use their computational thinking and creativity to deepen their understanding of our ever changing world. At Trent, Computing is taught discretely with cross-curricular links made where appropriate. Through discrete lessons, children can develop their knowledge and application in incremental steps in order to ensure misconceptions are tackled throughout their learning process. With respect to cross-curricular links, the children at Trent are provided with opportunities to apply their skills in mathematics, science, art and design and design and technology. Furthermore, by encouraging children to see the relevance of computing across the curriculum, we promote invention and resourcefulness to prepare our children to function appropriately in Modern Britain.

At Trent Primary School, we believe that computational thinking is vital in helping children to solve problems, design systems, and understand the power and limits of human machine intelligence. The pupils at Trent, are given opportunities to think logically, use algorithms, recognise patterns, abstract, generalise and evaluate in order to build their understanding of computational thinking. Pupils will be empowered to become creative, logical and critical thinkers, who reason systematically and work collaboratively.

Our pupils are able to find things out, exchange and share information, review, modify and evaluate their work. Through their learning in computing they advance their knowledge of how computers, software, the internet, the web and search engines work with a critical understanding of how these technologies impact on their lives and on society.

Pupils at Trent develop their knowledge of fundamental concepts and principles of computer science to include abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation.  Our pupils learn to analyse and breakdown problems into logical steps and to create programs through Scratch, FMS Logo and Crumble software. Throughout the school, the pupils learn about physical computing in order to support their understanding when programming using software. This begins with Beebots in EYFS and KS1 and ends with micro:bits in KS2.

 Risk taking and innovation is enriched through the computer science, as children become independent and skillful users of digital technology. We aim for the children to develop their competence and confidence and gain an understanding of computational systems of all kinds, whether or not they include computers (through unplugged activities). As children become digitally literate, they become able to use and express themselves and develop their ideas through information and communication technology.

 Online Safety is taught throughout the year, ensuring that pupils know how to stay safe online and know the steps to take if they have any concerns. Online safety is closely linked to the RHE curriculum and our intended end points which related to RHE are explicit throughout our curriculum. We also promote online safety during Safer Internet Day every year.