London Colney Primary & Nursery School

Everyone Included, Everyone Valued

Computing

Intent

At London Colney Primary, we aim to deliver a high-quality Computing curriculum that equips pupils with the knowledge, skills and understanding to thrive in a digital world. Using Purple Mash, we ensure that Computing is engaging, inclusive and progressive, enabling all pupils to become confident digital learners.

Our intent is to ensure that pupils:

  • Develop computational thinking skills, including problem-solving, logical reasoning and creativity.
  • Become digitally literate, able to use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly.
  • Gain a strong understanding of computer science, information technology and digital literacy, in line with the National Curriculum.
  • Are prepared for the next stage of their education and life in an increasingly digital society.

We use Purple Mash to provide a consistent, structured and age-appropriate approach that builds skills progressively from EYFS to Year 6, while promoting curiosity, independence and enjoyment in Computing.

Implementation

Computing is taught weekly across the school using Purple Mash as the core platform to support planning, delivery and assessment. Children have access to either, Chrome Books, iPads or laptops to access the material taught. The Purple Mash curriculum maps directly to the National Curriculum and ensures clear progression of skills across year groups.

Key aspects of implementation include:

  • Structured units of work covering coding, online safety, spreadsheets, databases, writing for the web, and creative digital media.
  • Interactive tools and coding environments (such as 2Code) that allow pupils to experiment, debug and refine programs.
  • Online safety education embedded throughout the curriculum, reinforced through dedicated units and cross-curricular links.
  • Differentiation and accessibility, enabling all pupils, including those with SEND, to succeed through scaffolded tasks and open-ended challenges.
  • Assessment for learning, using Purple Mash’s built-in assessment tools, quizzes and teacher observations to inform next steps.
  • Teachers receive ongoing support and guidance through Purple Mash planning resources and CPD materials, ensuring confidence and consistency in delivery.

Impact

As a result of our Computing curriculum and the effective use of Purple Mash, pupils:

  • Make good progress from their individual starting points.
  • Demonstrate confidence and independence when using digital tools and technology.
  • Can write, test and debug simple programs and explain their thinking using appropriate vocabulary.
  • Understand how to stay safe online and behave responsibly in digital environments.
  • Are creative, resilient and reflective learners who can apply Computing skills across the wider curriculum.

Assessment outcomes, pupil voice, and the quality of digital work stored within Purple Mash show that pupils leave primary school with the skills, knowledge and attitudes needed to succeed in secondary education and beyond.

Beyond the Curriculum

We provide a range of opportunities beyond discrete Computing lessons to enrich pupils’ digital experiences and deepen their understanding of technology in real-life contexts. These opportunities help to foster curiosity, creativity and ambition while supporting personal development and cultural capital.

Beyond the curriculum, pupils are offered:

  • Cross-curricular digital learning, where Computing skills are applied meaningfully in subjects such as English, Maths, Science and Geography using tools such as Purple Mash, Word and PowerPoint.
  • Participation in national and local initiatives, such as Safer Internet Day, to reinforce online safety and digital responsibility.
  • Opportunities to use a range of digital devices and software, developing adaptability and confidence with technology.
  • Leadership roles such as Digital Leaders, who support peers and staff, promote safe online behaviour and contribute to whole-school improvement.
  • These enrichment opportunities ensure that pupils at London Colney Primary School see Computing as a purposeful and exciting subject, develop transferable skills for the future, and are inspired to engage with technology beyond the classroom.

Subjects