Intent
Computing at St Catherine’s Primary School intends to develop ‘thinkers of the future’ through a modern, ambitious and relevant education in computing. We want to equip pupils to use computational thinking and creativity that will enable them to become active participants in the digital world. It is important to us that the children understand how to use the ever-changing technology to express themselves, as tools for learning and as a means to drive their generation forward into the future.
Whilst ensuring they understand the advantages and disadvantages associated with online experiences, we want children to develop as respectful, responsible and confident users of technology, aware of measures that can be taken to keep themselves and others safe online.
Our aim is to provide a computing curriculum that is designed to balance acquiring a broad and deep knowledge alongside opportunities to apply skills in various digital contexts. Beyond teaching computing discreetly, we will give pupils the opportunity to apply and develop what they have learnt across wider learning in the curriculum.
Implementation
Our scheme of work for Computing is adapted from the Kapow Curriculum and covers all aspects of the National Curriculum.
The curriculum aims to equip young people with the knowledge, skills and understanding they need to thrive in the digital world of today and the future. The curriculum can be broken down into 3 strands: computer science, information technology and digital literacy, with the aims of the curriculum reflecting this distinction.
E-Safety and Digital Citizenship
A key part of implementing our computing curriculum was to ensure that safety of our pupils is paramount. We take online safety very seriously and we aim to give children the necessary skills to keep themselves safe online. Children have a right to enjoy childhood online, to access safe online spaces and to benefit from all the opportunities that a connected world can bring them, appropriate to their age and stage. Each class covers an e-safety unit and we include e-safety in anti-bullying week.
Impact
Our computing curriculum gives children the opportunity to access a wide range of resources and to develop their skills in typing, word processing, coding and much more.
Throughout school, we measure the impact of our computing curriculum through the following methods:
- Kapow Assessment at the end of each unit
- Analysis of work
- Children are questioned about their current and previous learning.
- Discussions with children about the key computing vocabulary used and by observing their ability to complete tasks
- Regularly reviewing the children’s knowledge and understanding of e-safety issues and knowing how to keep themselves safe