Curriculum Intent – Computing

Computing is the process of using computer technology to complete a given goal-oriented task. At St Mary’s Primary School, we understand the immense value that technology plays not only in supporting the Computing and whole school curriculum but overall in our day-to-day lives. Therefore, we want to model and educate our pupils on how to use technology positively, responsibly and safely. Ensuring that all children are able to flourish in the world that God has given us.

Our Computing curriculum focuses on a progression of skills in digital literacy/online safety, computer science and information technology to ensure that children become competent in safely using, as well as understanding, technology and they are ready for secondary school and beyond. 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.

The key concepts in Computing, through which children will develop skills and knowledge, are:

• To communicate
• To connect
• To code
• To collect

Each concept is progressive and incorporated throughout our Computing and wider curriculum.

How will we achieve our Curriculum Intent for Computing?

At St Mary’s, computing is taught weekly in specific learning blocks which is closely referenced to the National Curriculum skills in order to show progression and coverage. Teachers refer to a progression of skills document which demonstrates coverage throughout the school. We have also built in Microsoft Office and Google Classroom skills as this is a programme used in the wider employment industry.

Teachers use the Teach Computing scheme of work and adapt it to best suit their class’ needs.

Online Safety is taught as a unit of work and during our Internet Safety week every year. In addition to this, teachers make reference to it in all lessons so it is drip fed throughout the year. We celebrate our learning during Internet Safety Week when the whole school does it at the same time to make it a whole school focus. Online Safety is a vital area in the wider community, therefore it is essential that it is referred back to.

Pupils will also experience Computing learning across the wider curriculum including English & Maths, History/Geography, Music, Art & DT.