The National Curriculum states:

A high-quality computing education equips pupils to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world. Computing has deep links with mathematics, science, and design and technology, and provides insights into both natural and artificial systems. 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. Building on this knowledge and understanding, pupils are equipped to use information technology to create programs, systems and a range of content. 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.

Our Intent

At St Mary’s, we aim to prepare our learners for their future by giving them the opportunities to gain knowledge and develop skills that will equip them for an ever-changing digital world. Knowledge and understanding of Computing technology is of increasing importance for children’s future both at home and for employment. Our Computing curriculum focuses on a progression of skills in digital literacy, computer science, information technology and online safety to ensure that children become competent in safely using, as well as understanding, technology. These strands are revisited repeatedly through a range of themes during children’s time in school to ensure the learning is embedded and skills are successfully developed. Our intention is that Computing also supports children’s creativity and cross curricular learning to engage children and enrich their experiences in school.

How we meet these aims

We provide inspirational opportunities for all children to value the unique rewards offered by computing and the joy of solving problems or being creative using modern technology and innovations. The computing curriculum is incredibly important for preparing children for their future careers in a world where technology is rapidly advancing. We aim to prepare children to use technology safely and responsibly.

We aim to equip children with the lifelong thinking skills, the technological approach, an appreciation of the benefits of computers and even a love for computing to keep with them through secondary school and beyond.

Our computing curriculum is made up of three component parts:

• Digital Literacy
• Computer Science
• Information Technology. 

These units are taught across KS1 and KS2 and our curriculum is designed to be very hands-on, giving children lots of experience with using technology from writing basic algorithms, through to coding and game design in upper KS2. An integral part of our computing curriculum is E-Safety and the children complete termly lessons, looking at their understanding of how to keep themselves safe online. These lessons closely follow the Google initiative Be Internet Legends which has been devised with parents at Parentzone, PSHE Association and internetmatters.org. These lessons are paramount to ensuring that our young users of technology are aware of the potential risks of accessing online content.