Computing

Bardfield Academy

Meet Mrs Scarff: Subject Lead for Computing

My name is Mrs Scarff; it is a privilege to lead Computing here, where we are shaping the next generation of digital creators and innovators.

Why I love computing

My passion for the subject comes from my love of innovation and problem-solving. Whether I’m figuring out a clever shortcut to make life easier or exploring the latest tech gadgets, I am always fascinated by how technology connects us and empowers us to create things we never thought possible.

My enthusiasm for Computing stems from the incredible bridge it builds between creativity and reality. It’s a subject where “what if?” becomes “I can”.  

I love the idea that with just a keyboard and a bit of ingenuity, we can create digital environments, tell interactive stories, and design tools that empower others. It’s about moving from being a consumer of technology to being a creator of it.

My Ambition for our school

My ambition is to help every child become a confident ‘Digital Citizen’.

I want our pupils to:

  • Master the Tools: Understand how technology works, from the hardware in their hands to the ‘magic’ of the internet and coding.
  • Navigate Safely: Develop a deep understanding of E-Safety, learning how to be kind, responsible, and secure in the digital world.
  • Stay Creative: Ask big questions about how we can use technology to build, animate, and innovate for the future.

Computing isn’t just about screens; it’s about unlocking the tools to build the future.

Mrs Scarff- Computing Lead

Computing at Bardfield Academy

Our Vision

At Bardfield Academy, we spark curiosity and foster a lifelong passion for technology. Our ambitious, carefully sequenced curriculum—anchored by the Purple Mash scheme of work—empowers children to understand, navigate, and contribute to our rapidly evolving digital world. By building substantive knowledge of how systems work and the disciplinary skills required to create them, we ensure every learner can express their creativity and logic through their digital work.

Our Approach

We teach Computing with enthusiasm, offering hands-on, practical opportunities to be a programmer, designer, and data analyst. Starting in the Early Years, we build the foundations of computational thinking and exploration.

While we utilise the high-quality resources of Purple Mash, we do not follow a “one size fits all” model. We have hand-selected and bespoke-mapped specific units to ensure a rigorous progression of skills and full National Curriculum coverage. As children progress, they experiment with a diverse range of tools—including block-based coding, physical computing, digital media, and micro-bits. Our staff model resilience and a growth mindset, teaching pupils that debugging is just as valuable as the finished program.

Our Purpose

Computing is a space for every child to explore and innovate without limits. We have adapted our curriculum to suit the unique context of our school, ensuring that the themes and challenges are relevant to our pupils’ lives and aspirations.

Beyond a computing lesson, we champion the use of technology across the entire curriculum as a powerful tool to remove barriers to learning. This ensures that every child—regardless of their starting point—can access, engage with, and excel in their studies. By introducing pupils to various pioneers, technologies, and cultures, we open doors to future careers in software engineering, cybersecurity, game design, and beyond.

To explore out progressive Computing curriculum, have a look at the Key Knowledge document below. 

Using the Green Screen to demonstrate our knowledge, linking History and Geography reserach.
Using the Virtual Tees to make Science come alive – looking inside our bodies to see how our hearts work.
Watch us code!- We love making things happen by using specific instructions.