Computing

At Cornerstone Academy Trust, we believe that a high-quality computing education enables our children to apply computational thinking and creativity to make sense of our ever-changing world.

The core of computing is computer science, in which pupils are taught the principles of information and computation, how digital systems work and how to put this knowledge to use through programming. Computing also ensures that pupils become digitally literate – able to use, and express themselves and develop their ideas through, information and communication technology – at a level suitable for the future workplace and as active participants in a digital world.

Nursery

In Nursery, pupils are introduced to technology in a playful and exploratory way. They begin by developing basic touchscreen skills through interactive games and digital painting activities. Children learn to use simple programs on tablets and explore how to control devices like Beebots (programmable floor robots), helping them understand cause and effect. They are encouraged to talk about what they see on screen and how they interact with it. As part of E-Safety Week, children are introduced to the idea of using technology safely, with a focus on asking for help and using devices with an adult.

Understanding the World

Understanding the world involves guiding children to make sense of their physical world and their community. The frequency and range of children’s personal experiences increases their knowledge and sense of the world around them – from visiting parks, libraries and museums to meeting important members of society such as police officers, nurses and firefighters. In addition, listening to a broad selection of stories, non-fiction, rhymes and poems will foster their understanding of our culturally, socially, technologically and ecologically diverse world. As well as building important knowledge, this extends their familiarity with words that support understanding across domains. Enriching and widening children’s vocabulary will support later reading comprehension.

Reception

In Reception, pupils build on their early experiences with technology by developing a wider range of digital skills. They learn to use trackpads and keyboards, create digital drawings and sounds, and take digital photographs. Pupils also explore simple programming by giving instructions to robots like Spheros, helping them understand sequencing and control. E-Safety is a key focus, with children learning how to stay safe online through age-appropriate stories and discussions. These experiences help children become confident, creative, and responsible users of technology, ready for the next stage of their digital learning journey.

Understanding the World

Year 1

In Year 1, children begin their journey into computing by exploring the technology around them and learning how to use it responsibly. They express their creativity through digital painting, experimenting with colours, shapes, and lines using simple tools. As they move into programming, they learn how to give commands to robots and build sequences to make them move. Children also explore how to group and compare data, using labels and descriptions to organise information. Later in the year, they develop their writing skills by using a computer to create and edit text, and they finish by designing their own animated projects, learning how small changes in values can affect what happens on screen. These engaging activities help build confidence, curiosity, and a strong foundation in digital learning.

Digital Literacy

Recognise and identify technology in the classroom and beyond
Understand how to use technology responsibly and safely

Media Creation

Use digital painting tools to create artwork
Explore freehand drawing, shapes, and lines using software

Programming & Algorithms

Understand basic commands and sequence to move a robot
Begin to create simple programs using directional language

Data Handling

Group and level objects based on attributes
Compare and describe objects using digital tools

Text & Writing

Use a computer to write and edit text
Change font, size, and style to enhance digital writing

Creative Projects

Design and animate simple projects using basic programming
Explore how changing values affects outcomes in animations

Year 2

In Year 2, children dive into the digital world through hands-on exploration and creative projects. They begin by discovering how information technology is used in school and beyond, learning how to stay safe online. Through digital photography, they explore what makes a great image and experiment with editing tools to enhance their work. Programming skills are developed by giving instructions to robots, creating algorithms, and learning how to fix mistakes through debugging. Children also learn to present and compare data using pictograms, helping them understand how information can be visualised. Later in the year, they explore patterns in music and use computers to compose their own tunes. Finally, they design and improve interactive quizzes using programming commands—building confidence and creativity in a fun and supportive environment.