Computing

Intent

At St Joseph’s, we aim to prepare our pupils for the future by giving them the opportunities to gain knowledge and develop skills through a modern, ambitious and relevant Computing curriculum. Children will be encouraged to use computational thinking and creativity, which will enable them to become active, confident and responsible participants in an ever-changing digital world. 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 is used to engage children and enrich their experiences in school.

Implementation

At St. Joseph’s, we follow the ‘Purple Mash’ scheme of work, which covers all aspects of the National Curriculum for Computing. After careful thought and consideration, this scheme was chosen as it has been created by experts and is based on the latest best practice and pedagogy.

Teachers also use:

Progression maps which show clear progression of skills meaning teachers can recap skills taught in previous years and build on the knowledge children have already acquired;
Knowledge organisers which outline knowledge (including key vocabulary) all children must master;
Purple Mash low stake quizzes which help with assessment for learning and encourage children to revisit learning thus remembering more;
Challenges and extension activities to stretch and challenge learners therefore deepening their understanding;

Additionally, the national curriculum for computing aims to ensure all pupils:

can understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation (Computer science)
can analyse problems in computational terms, and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems (Computer science)
can evaluate and apply information technology, including new or unfamiliar technologies, analytically to solve problems (Information technology)
are responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology. (Digital literacy)

Impact

Our computing curriculum is planned to demonstrate progression, if children are demonstrating that they are acquiring the relevant skills for their age group they are deemed to be making good or better than good progress. We also measure our curriculum through the following methods:

Analysis of progression through pre and post learning activities
Pupil discussions about their learning
Formative in the moment assessment

All children at St. Joseph’s will have access to a Google Apps for Education Account, where they can access homework and remote learning. At the beginning of the school year, all children sign a user agreement policy.

Online Safety

Online Safety is a priority at St Joseph's. Online Safety is delivered over the course of the year using 2BeSafe - Being Safe in a Digital World. This is an Online Safety Scheme created by Purple Mash, which meets the guidance set out within the Department for Education’s Teaching Online Safety in Schools Guidance and Education for a Connected World and The Education for a Connected World framework. Our Online Safety curriculum encompasses eight key areas which seek to equip children for digital life and the digital world.

These eight key areas are:

Self-Image and Identity
Online Relationships
Online Reputation
Online Bullying
Health, Wellbeing and Lifestyle
Privacy and Security
Managing Online Information
Copyright and Ownership

Online Safety Curriculum Overviews

Online Safety Knowledge and Progression

Online Safety Objectives by Year Group

Online Safety Curriculum Parent Information

Use the following information pages to support Online Safety learning at home and start coversations with your child about staying safe online:

Self-Image and Identity

Privacy and Security

Online Reputation

Online Relationships

Online Bullying Managing Online Information Health, Wellbeing and Lifestyle Copyright and Ownership

If you have any concerns about keeping your child safe online, or need further support and guidance in this area, please speak with a member of school staff.