Computing
What: Computer Science at Ryvers School looks like
From Early Years to Key Stage 2 and Beyond
Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS): In EYFS, children begin exploring technology through play. They use simple devices like tablets and programmable toys, developing early problem-solving skills and learning how technology fits into their world. This lays the foundation for logical thinking and creativity.
Key Stage 1 (KS1): At KS1, children are introduced to basic computer skills and learn about coding through fun, hands-on activities like programming robots or creating sequences. This helps them understand key concepts such as instructions, debugging, and algorithms in a way that’s both engaging and age-appropriate.
Key Stage 2 (KS2): In KS2, children deepen their understanding of computer science by working with more advanced coding, algorithms, and data representation. They also develop practical digital literacy skills, including creating presentations and understanding how networks and the internet work. A strong emphasis is placed on online safety and responsible use of technology, ensuring they are prepared to navigate the digital world safely and confidently.
Progression to Key Stage 3 and Beyond
The foundations laid in primary school ensure a smooth transition to KS3, where students build on their knowledge by exploring more advanced topics. These skills not only prepare them for secondary school but also open doors to future careers in technology, science, engineering, and beyond.
Why: We do what we do
In today’s digital world, computer science is as essential as reading, writing, and maths. At Ryvers Primary School, we believe that introducing children to computer science from an early age builds critical skills they will carry with them throughout their lives. Our approach is aligned with the National Centre for Computing Education (NCCE) guidelines, ensuring children receive high-quality, age-appropriate education in this crucial subject.
Why We Follow the NCCE Curriculum
The National Centre for Computing Education (NCCE) provides a robust framework that ensures children receive an excellent foundation in computing. By following their high-quality curriculum, we ensure that students:
- Develop essential problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
- Learn to create, not just consume, technology.
- Gain the confidence to use technology safely and responsibly.
Why Computer Science Matters
Computer science education is about much more than coding; it’s about preparing children to thrive in a rapidly evolving world. By developing creativity, resilience, and collaboration, we give them the tools to succeed in all areas of life.
Together, let’s inspire a generation of thinkers, creators, and problem-solvers who are ready to embrace the future with confidence.
How Computer Science at Ryvers School Links across the curriculum
At Ryvers School, we believe in the power of combining subjects to make learning meaningful and engaging for our students. Computer Science is an essential part of our curriculum, not just as a stand-alone subject, but as a tool that enhances communication (oracy) and supports wider learning themes like Continents Week. Here’s how it all connects:
Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
In EYFS, our youngest learners begin developing the skills they need for primary school through play and exploration. They use simple technology tools like interactive tablets and digital cameras to spark curiosity about the world. These activities also build vocabulary and confidence as children describe what they’re doing, collaborate with peers, and share their ideas.
Progression in Computer Science: KS1 to KS2
We follow the National Centre for Computing Education (NCCE) framework, which ensures that learning is carefully planned and builds progressively from KS1 through KS2.
KS1: Children start by learning key skills like following and creating simple algorithms, using basic programming tools, and exploring digital content. Activities often tie into topics like geography. For example, students might use simple mapping software to locate places they learn about during Continents Week.
KS2: As students grow, they take on more complex challenges, such as writing their own code, designing interactive projects, and working collaboratively to solve problems. By linking computer science to themes like Continents Week, students might create digital presentations, interactive quizzes, or even animated stories about the cultures and landmarks of the continents they are studying.
Oracy in Computer Science
Communication is at the heart of all our computer science lessons. Whether it’s working in pairs to debug code, presenting their projects to classmates, or explaining their thinking during programming tasks, children develop critical speaking and listening skills. These activities build confidence in expressing ideas clearly, a vital skill for life.
Continents Week: Cross-Curricular Connections
During Continents Week, students can apply their computer science skills in exciting ways. They might:
- Create digital maps of continents, adding details about climates, landmarks, and cultures.
- Record and edit podcasts or videos about a chosen continent.
- Use coding to design interactive games that teach others about global geography.
By combining geography, computer science, and Oracy, we ensure students engage deeply with their learning, develop their creativity, and build essential skills for the future.
What This Means for Your Child
Your child’s journey in computer science at Ryvers School is about more than learning to use technology. It’s about building problem-solving skills, fostering creativity, and encouraging collaboration. These skills will not only support their education now but also prepare them for a technology-driven future.
If you have any questions about how computer science is taught or how you can support your child at home, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
At Ryvers we believe that computer science and computational thinking are essential components of every child's learning journey. In a world that is becoming increasingly digital, these skills empower our pupils to not only understand the technology that surrounds them now but also that which will shape the future world of their tomorows.
We follow the National Centre for Computing Education (NCCE) curriculum, which provides a structured and comprehensive approach to teaching computing. This curriculum ensures that pupils build a strong foundation in computer science, information technology, and digital literacy. Alongside this, we incorporate unplugged learning - hands-on activities that teach computing concepts without the use of technology. This approach deepens pupils' understanding by allowing them to explore ideas and concepts in creative and accessible ways.
Our teaching pedagogy focuses on engagement, inclusivity, and fostering a growth mindset. Through logical problem-solving, teamwork, and creative thinking, our pupils learn how to break down complex tasks, identify patterns, and develop innovative solutions.
By embedding computing into our curriculum, we prepare our pupils for future learning and career opportunities in a wide range of fields. Whether it's coding, using digital tools, or understanding data, these skills build confidence and adaptability, enabling our learners to thrive in an ever-evolving technological landscape.
At Ryvers, we aim to inspire curiosity and equip our students with he knowledge and skills they need to be active, informed, and innovative participants and contributors to the digital world.
Our Computer Science Curriculum Map
Curriculum Journey Computer Science
Video tour of our journey

The dashed lines show the connections across year bands as we build on what we learned before.
At Ryvers, we believe a high-quality computing education equips pupils to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world. Computing is a significant part of everyone’s daily life and we believe that children should be at the forefront of new technology.
Computing has links to a variety of other subjects such as mathematics, science and design and technology; we believe that, as an essential part of the curriculum, computing is a subject that not only stands alone but also is woven and should be an integral part of all learning.
At Ryvers, we recognise that pupils are entitled to quality hardware and software and a structured and progressive approach to the learning of the skills needed to enable them to use it effectively. We also recognise the importance of responding to new developments in technology, and aim to equip pupils with the confidence and capability to use ICT and computing throughout their lives.
We strive to provide a relevant, challenging and enjoyable curriculum for all pupils, as well as using it as a tool to enhance learning throughout the wider curriculum.
Computing as a standalone subject has a number of key components, each of which we aim to teach and fully instil the value of amongst our pupils. These can be categorised as:
Computer science – Pupils are taught the principles of information and computation, how digital systems work, and how to put this knowledge to use through programming.
Information technology – Pupils are equipped to create programs, systems and a range of content in order to develop products and solutions.
Digital literacy – Pupils are taught to use, access and express oneself through digital technology, including a critical understanding of technology’s impact on the individual and society, at a level suitable for the future workplace and as active participants in a digital world.
In addition, we firmly believe in the importance of delivering a high quality E-Safety curriculum alongside the core values of computer science, information technology and digital literacy. As technology develops, so does the need for a better understanding of how to use it in a responsible manner. The education of pupils in E-Safety is therefore essential to ensure children are equipped with the skills to recognise risks online, to be critically aware of the materials and content they access online, along with guidance on how to accurately validate information accessed via the internet.