Computing 

Our computing curriculum equips pupils to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world.  We build on links with mathematics, science and design and technology.  The children learn the principles of information and computation, how digital systems work and how to apply this knowledge to use through programming. We strive to create digitally literate children within an increasingly digital world. 

Intention

At St Patricks Catholic Primary school, we intend for pupils not only to be digitally proficient and have a range of transferable skills at a suitable level for the future workplace, but also to be responsible online citizens.

Teachers utilise the 'Kapow' learning scheme as a foundation for their lesson planning. Aligned with our school's objectives, Kapow Primary's computing program empowers children to create, manage, organise, and collaborate. The scheme's ethos emphasizes 'tinkering' with software and programs, fostering pupils' confidence in navigating new technologies—a crucial skill in the dynamic tech landscape.

The scheme of work enables pupils to meet the end of Key Stage Attainment targets, which are outlined in the National curriculum and satisfies all the objectives of the DfE’s ‘Education for a Connected World framework.’

Implementation

We teach the National Curriculum, supported by a clear skills and knowledge progression. This ensures that skills and knowledge are built on year by year and sequenced appropriately to maximise learning for all children. The aim is for pupils to be able to apply their skills across a range of mediums, safely, and not be restricted to one type of software or device. Computing is taught both in timetabled blocks, as well as being embedded across the curriculum. This ensures children are able to develop depth in their knowledge and skills over the duration of each of their computing topics. Teachers use Kapow as a starting point for their lessons, which have a logical path of progression throughout the school. Key concepts are revisited at the beginning of each lesson, but also throughout the learning. A use of a variety of software ensures that children are not just learning how to work on one tool, but having to apply these skills and use computational thinking across the curriculum.

Impact

We monitor and assess the impact of our Computing scheme through both formative and summative assessments. Within lessons and units teachers have opportunities to assess the children.

The expected impact of our Computing scheme of work is that the children will:

• Be critical thinkers and able to understand how to make informed and appropriate digital choices in the future.
• Understand the importance that computing will have going forward in both their educational and working life and in their social and personal futures.
• Understand how to balance time spent on technology and time spent away from it in a healthy and appropriate manner.
• Understand that technology helps to showcase their ideas and creativity.
• Show a clear progression of technical skills across all areas of the National curriculum – computer science, information technology and digital literacy.
• Be able to use technology both individually and as part of a collaborative team.
• Be aware of online safety issues and protocols and be able to deal with any in a responsible and appropriate manner.
• Have an awareness of developments in technology and have an idea of how current technologies work and relate to one another.

Online Safety

Online Safety is the school's ability to:

• Protect and educate pupils in their use of technology
• Have the appropriate mechanisms to intervene and support any incident where appropriate
• Work in partnership with parents to safeguard our children online

Online Safety encompasses not only Internet technologies but also electronic communications via mobile phones, games consoles and wireless technology. It highlights the need to educate children and young people about the benefits, risks and responsibilities of using information technology.

• Online Safety concerns safeguarding children and young people in the digital world.

• Online Safety emphasises learning to understand and use new technologies in a positive way.

• Online Safety is less about restriction and more about education about the risks as well as the benefits so we can feel confident online.

• Online Safety is concerned with supporting children and young people to develop safer online behaviours both in and out of school.

Our children use the Internet on a regular basis as part of their learning.  In school we now have regular 'e-safety' activities to remind pupils of the importance of keeping themselves safe online.

Below are a few links to some very useful information regarding e-safety for parents, carers and children:

Kidsmart – An award-winning internet safety programme for children. 

Childnet – lots of useful advice for keeping yourselves and your children safe on the Internet.

Bullying UK – Information and advice about bullying for children, parents and schools.

Kidscape – An organisation which helps to prevent bullying and child abuse.

Childline – ChildLine is the free helpline for children and young people in the UK.

BBC Staying safe Top tips for staying safe online.

Net Smartz Kids – Click on the image opposite to visit the Net Smartz Kids website for lots of e-safety activities.

Childnet International – website to “help make the Internet a great and safe place for children.”

Parentinfo.org - developed by The Parent Zone and the the Child Exploitation and Online Protection command of the National Crime Agency.

PRIVACY NOTICE which replaced the Fair Processing Notice: Data Protection Act 1998. (Click here)