Computing

“I think it's fair to say that personal computers have become the most empowering tool we've ever created. They're tools of communication, they're tools of creativity, and they can be shaped by their user.”  Bill Gates 

Vision Statement - Preparing our pupils for the digital world; unlocking their potential 

For every child to become digitally literate by being able to independently use, express themselves and develop their ideas safely through information and communication technology and progress as an active participant in an ever evolving digital world. The children should be online-safe, online-inspired and online-confident.

Computing Statement of Implementation

At St. Joseph’s, computing is taught in discrete computing lessons as well as permeated throughout the curriculum. The scheme of work forms a starting point for the planning of the computing lessons, which are often richly linked to engaging contexts in other subjects and topics. Every lesson in our scheme has been individually planned so that it can be effectively taught using the infrastructure we have in place at school and so that it can meet the needs of all our pupils. Our scheme has been closely referenced against the 2014 National Curriculum attainment targets in order to ensure progression and coverage. Having discrete lessons means that the children are able to develop depth in their knowledge and skills over the duration of each of their computing topics. We use a range of pedagogical practices in the teaching of computing to ensure that we are successful with our Intent. This can range from small group tasks, individual tasks to whole class tasks. We focus on teacher modelling, expert questioning that gives children memorable experiences and provide over-learning to ensure that key knowledge is transferred to children's long- term memory.

Where appropriate, meaningful links will be made between the computing curriculum and the wider curriculum to reinforce knowledge. This results in building new skills and knowledge based upon what has been taught before, allowing all pupils to work towards clearly defined end points. For example, children in EYFS focus on their understanding of the world using technology. Key Stage 1 children learn what algorithms are, which leads them to the design stage of programming in Key Stage 2, where they design, write and debug programs, explaining the thinking behind their algorithms. In computing lessons, the children will use laptops, tablets and PCs either in class or using the STEM room in order to access a range of apps and software for many purposes across the wider curriculum, as well as in discrete computing lessons. Employing cross-curricular links motivates pupils and supports them to make connections and remember the steps they have been taught. Discrete computing lessons focus on the curriculum skills of information technology, digital literacy and computer science. Children’s progress will be assessed using internal tracking systems and they are given feedback and ways to improve their work verbally.

Computing Statement of Impact 

When children leave St. Joseph’s, we want our children to be competent and safe users of technology with an understanding of how it works and impacts theirs and wider society’s lives. They will have developed skills to express themselves and be creative in using digital media and be equipped to apply their skills in Computing to different challenges going forward.