Computing at St. Joseph’s Catholic Primary School

At St. Joseph’s we know that technology is a huge part of our lives, at home and in school. We aim to prepare our children to be safe and unlock their potential in the wider, digital world.

Curriculum Intent

Technology is changing the lives of everyone. The computing curriculum aims to equip children with fundamental skills which contribute to them being life-long users of technology in a safe and effective way. Through teaching computing, we prepare our children to participate in a rapidly changing world where work and leisure activities are increasingly transformed by technology.

Computing, in general, is a significant part of everyone’s daily life and children should be at the forefront of new technology, with a thirst for learning what is out there. At St Joseph’s, we believe that computing is an essential part of the curriculum; a subject that not only stands alone but is woven and should be an integral part of all learning. Computing within schools can therefore provide a wealth of learning opportunities and transferrable skills explicitly within the Computing lesson and across other curriculum subjects.

We aim to engage children with cross-curricular learning through interacting with a variety of technology; we see technology as enriching learning opportunities. Therefore, we endeavour to provide computing opportunities throughout each area of the curriculum; embedding the use of technology through the use of IPads, Crumblers, Microbits and additional time in the computer suite.

Computers and other ICT can help pupils make accelerated progress. We support pupils to develop their skills and use them within other subjects such as researching, typing, editing and art skills. Computers and technology are such a part of everyday life that our children would be at a disadvantage would they not be exposed to a thorough and robust Computing curriculum.  Children must be taught in the art form of ‘Computational Thinking’ in order to provide them essential knowledge that will enable them to participate effectively and safely in the digital world beyond our gates.

Our aims

  • Provide an exciting, rich, relevant and challenging Computing curriculum for all pupils.
  • Enthuse and equip children with the capability to use technology throughout their lives.
  • Give children access to a variety of high-quality hardware, software and unplugged resources.
  • Instill critical thinking, reflective learning and a ‘can do’ attitude for all our pupils, particularly when engaging with technology and its associated resources.
  • Teach pupils to become responsible, respectful and competent users of data, information and communication technology.
  • Teach pupils to understand the importance of governance and legislation regarding how information is used, stored, created, retrieved, shared and manipulated.
  • Equip pupils with skills, strategies and knowledge that will enable them to reap the benefits of the online world, whilst being able to minimise risk to themselves or others.
  • Use technology imaginatively and creatively to inspire and engage all pupils, as well as using it to be more efficient in the tasks associated with running an effective school.
  • Provide technology solutions for forging better home and school links.
  • Utilise computational thinking beyond the Computing curriculum.
  • Exceed the minimum government recommended/statutory guidance for the program of study for Computing and other related legislative guidance (online safety).

Implementation

We have a discreet timetable for the development of ICT skills in the computer suite but we also have additional designated times for the use of the ICT suite for other curriculum areas such as Maths with Times Table Rockstar’s. Objectives are progressive and sequential; teaching children an array of skills they can use to represent their ideas; whilst gaining an understanding of many different pieces of computer hardware and software.

Topics are taught termly, with computing objectives fully embedded within each area. As a school, we have chosen the Purple Mash Computing Scheme of Work from Reception to Year 6. The scheme of work supports our teachers in delivering fun and engaging lessons which help to raise standards and allow all pupils to achieve to their full potential. We are confident that the scheme of work more than adequately meets the national vision for Computing. It provides immense flexibility, strong cross-curricular links and integrates perfectly with the 2Simple Computing Assessment Tool.

Curriculum End of Phase Expectations

By the end of Key Stage 1, we want ALL children to:

  • Apply and understand the matters, skills and processes specified below.
  • Understand what algorithms are; how they are implemented as programs on digital devices; and that programs execute by following precise and unambiguous instructions
  • Create and debug simple programs
  • Use logical reasoning to predict the behaviour of simple programs
  • Use technology purposefully to create, organise, store, manipulate and retrieve digital content
  • Recognise common uses of information technology beyond school
  • Use technology safely and respectfully, keeping personal information private; identify where to go for help and support when they have concerns about content or contact on the internet or other online technologies.

This will ensure all pupils are ready and able to access the Key Stage 2 curriculum and beyond.

By the end of Key Stage 2, we want ALL children to:

  • Apply and understand the matters, skills and processes specified below.
  • Design, write and debug programs that accomplish specific goals, including controlling or simulating physical systems; solve problems by decomposing them into smaller parts
  • Use sequence, selection, and repetition in programs; work with variables and various forms of input and output
  • Use logical reasoning to explain how some simple algorithms work and to detect and correct errors in algorithms and programs
  • Understand computer networks including the internet; how they can provide multiple services, such as the world wide web; and the opportunities they offer for communication and collaboration
  • Use search technologies effectively, appreciate how results are selected and ranked, and be discerning in evaluating digital content
  • Select, use and combine a variety of software (including internet services) on a range of digital devices to design and create a range of programs, systems and content that accomplish given goals, including collecting, analysing, evaluating and presenting data and information
  • Use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly; recognise acceptable/unacceptable behaviour; identify a range of ways to report concerns about content and contact.

Beyond the curriculum

Computing contributes to teaching and learning in all curriculum areas. For example, we use computing to practice our times tables through the computing program Times Table Rockstar’s. Each class have 4-5 Ipads to use through other curriculums. Apps on i-Pads encourage reading, writing and math. Children are encouraged to use cameras on i-Pads and the internet to research topics. Additional computer suite time is also used to record results in the most appropriate format and aiding cross curricular working through researching, typing, editing and art skills.

Updated: 10/05/2023 146 KB