Computing

Intent (Why we learn…)

At St Saviour’s Catholic Primary and Nursery School, we offer a high-quality computing program that provides pupils with the skills needed to adapt to an ever-changing technological world. We teach our pupils how to use the internet and email safely and responsibly, both in school and outside the school environment.

We aim for our children:

To be enthusiastic, inquisitive, lifelong learners: we recognise the importance of computing in our lives and aim to give them our children the skills to use it competently and safely. We also aim to give all of our children the skills to use computing to further their learning in many areas of the curriculum and beyond.
To be strong communicators: we aim for our children to be able to use technology in a positive way in order to communicate for different reasons and to a wide range of audiences. We understand the importance of technology in communicating in the wider world and teach our children to do this responsibly.
To be well-rounded, independent and resilient learners with aspirations: we provide opportunities for children to access a range of different technology types and programmes, allowing them to develop their computing skills in a range of areas. We encourage them to make their own choices within the curriculum, to be confident learners and to talk about their learning with enthusiasm and pride. We celebrate their successes and encourage them during times of difficulty not to give up.
To develop and use their God given talents by being creative: we aim to give the children the chance to explore technology in a creative way, exploring their own interests and making some choices for themselves. Through our broad and balanced curriculum, we harness the interests of our children to allow them to be creative and to inspire others around them.
To be responsible citizens who are eager to make a positive contribution to their community and wider society: we aim for our children to use technology confidently and responsibly; and for them to show respect for themselves and others whilst using technology. We want our children to have a positive relationship with the technology around them, leading to positive relationships with other people through its use.

Reading is prioritised within our computing curriculum, giving our children a different way to learn, practise and develop a love of reading. We recognise the place technology has in our children’s reading journey and how it can enhance their reading experience.

Implementation (How we teach...)

The way we teach computing at St Saviour’s is based on high expectations for all children. Our children are supported to reach at least age-related expectations through our belief of teaching for depth and mastery.

We use the National Curriculum to ensure that every teacher teaches the knowledge and understanding appropriate to that age group. We believe in ‘Quality First’ teaching for all children and use our ongoing assessment in computing to identify any children with gaps in their learning so that they can be addressed quickly.

Teachers use the ‘Teach computing’ scheme to plan the curriculum for their year group and to ensure consistency across the school. Our curriculum is well mapped out to ensure it is not only engaging and relevant, but also cohesive so learning is built upon year by year.

We use up to date software and devices to enhance learning experiences and a progressive scheme that is updated regularly to stay in line with the ever-changing world of computing.

Assessment is used each lesson in the form of Assessment for Learning. This informs planning for future lessons and identifies where further individual or group support is needed. We use the ‘Sonar’ software package to track pupil progress each term.

The computing subject lead has received support from a leadership coach this academic year and has previously attended training specific to the ‘Teach computing’ scheme. This has led to them having a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities and given them the knowledge to support and manage the teaching and learning of computing throughout the school, supported by senior leaders.

All teaching staff have also attended online training specific to their year group from ‘Teach computing’.

Our computing curriculum provides children with memorable experiences, diverse and rich opportunities from which they can learn and develop a range of transferable skills.

Impact (As a result…)

The impact of our computing curriculum can be seen on Tapestry for each year group; as well as in pupil data on ‘Sonar’ and through pupil voice. Outcomes for all groups of pupils are strong. We put the children at the centre of all that we do, creating strong relationships between pupils and staff which leads to a positive learning environment.

Pupil progress in computing is measured at three key assessment periods during the year and recorded on ‘Sonar’. During each lesson, misconceptions and gaps in learning are identified and addressed.

Pupils leave St Saviour’s with a secure knowledge of the computing curriculum and the skills needed to adapt to an ever-changing technological world. They can use technology safely and responsibly for themselves and with regard to others. They leave with a solid foundations of knowledge and skills to build on further, in order to use technology for their future learning and in everyday life.