Computing

Computing at St. Paul's

St Paul’s Catholic Primary school strives to provide a high-quality and balanced computing curriculum that enhances children’s computational thinking, creativity and problem-solving skills within a developing technological world.

Our whole school computing curriculum overview ensures that our children receive a well-rounded and balanced curriculum promoting deeper thinking and independence using a range of computing software and technology. At the heart of our computing curriculum is computer science, promoting and teaching the principles of information and computation, how digital systems and simulations work, and how to put this knowledge to use through programming. Through the use of our varied software and programmes using computers, laptops and iPads, children apply their learnt skills to become ‘computer doers’, rather than a ‘computer user’.

Our computing curriculum aims to enable children to become autonomous, independent users of computing technologies gaining confidence and enjoyment from their activities. Pupils will progress their understanding and computational thinking throughout school, beginning in EYFS through logical thinking and discussions, using the use of bee-bots to create simple algorithms and the use of computers during continuous provision.  This is then enhanced in later years in KS1 through the whole school approach of using Purple Mash, developing their basic understanding of coding and programming, spreadsheets and the use of technology to create, store and organise information in different ways.  Progression in these areas is continued into KS2 using Purple Mash, developing the children’s prior knowledge, with the addition of various other programming software including Scratch and Logo. Flowol 4 is also used in KS2 to teach children how to control and simulate physical systems.  This variety and continuity ensures that the needs of all children can be met and challenged.

Pupils are encouraging to develop their computational thinking and vocabulary, through opportunities to plan and discuss their ideas for programs, algorithms and other forms of storing and representing information digitally. Children use differentiated planning documents to draw and annotate their thoughts, before providing logical reasoning and sharing the purpose of their work through discussions. In some units, children are provided with opportunities to engage with ‘unplugged’ activities, helping to build a stronger link between computational thinking digitally, and in the real world.

Cross curricular computing is delivered using a range of hardware, including computers, laptops and iPads. Links are made to mathematics, science, design and technology, history and geography throughout school, through the use of apps, search engines and video creation software, ensuring that children become ‘computer doers’.  Purple Mash also ensures that Computing units taught throughout different year groups develop children’s mathematical and problem-solving skills. 

At the core of all computing learning, the importance of internet safety is reinforced through the teaching of discrete units using Purple Mash in all year groups and a dedicated e-safety week during February of each year ensuring that the children of St Paul’s understand how to use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly. Children in all year groups utilise the opportunity discussion how to interact with the internet safely, understanding the reliability of information they receive.

Intent 

We offer computing lessons to ensure that pupils are taught and meet all of the skills and aims of the national curriculum. The intent is to provide a high quality and balanced computing curriculum that enhances children’s computational thinking, creativity and problem-solving skills within a developing technological world.

Pupils can engage practically with a variety of computing hardware including computers, iPads and interactive whiteboards to develop their computing understanding and cross-curricular engagement.

Through the use of our varied software and programmes, children will apply their learnt skills throughout school to promote deeper thinking and independence.

Pupils will develop their understanding of coding, programming and debugging and apply this to a variety of contexts, software and physical systems as they progress through real groups.

Pupils will recognise the common uses of technology, progressing their relevant skills throughout school for a range of purposes, such as using spreadsheets, databases, email, networks, creating pictures & music, animations and blogging.

Pupils will understand the importance networks inside and outside of school, such as the internet, to effective communicate and gain information effectively.

At the core of all computing learning, the importance of internet safety is reinforced through the teaching of discrete units in all year groups and a dedicated e-safety week in February each year; ensuring that the children of St Paul’s understand how to use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly. 

Implementation

Class teachers work in collaboration with the Computing Lead to develop subject knowledge and to promote and deliver high quality computing lessons.

Resources and hardware and provided to allow EYFS pupils to operate and engage with ICT equipment including interactive whiteboards and iPads; in addition to the use of computers for drawing and other activities during continuous provision. Bee-bots will also be used to introduced simple programs.

Staff follow the computing planning overview throughout KS1 and KS2, engaging with Purple Mash software to develop consistency and progression throughout year groups.

Pupils are taught Purple Mash Coding, Online Safety and Spreadsheet units in all year groups to promote progression and deepen their skills and understanding.

Pupils coding skills are broadened In KS2 through additional Scratch and Logo units to deepen their coding skills.

KS2 pupils interact with Flowol 4 software to enhance their understanding of programming physical systems.

Pupils gain a deeper understanding and progression towards using a variety of software throughout year groups using Purple Mash, engaging with units such as:  databases, email, networks, creating pictures & music, animations and blogging.

All staff ensure that children appreciate the importance of using technology safely and respectfully through e-safety units and teaching during e-safety week.

Purple Mash is used by teachers for cross curricular activities, in addition to iPads being updated with new apps continuously to promote learning across subjects.

Impact

Computing is a popular and high-profile subject in school enjoyed by pupils. Pupil voice have been sought to ensure that the curriculum promotes challenge and understanding throughout school.

Staff voice sought to ensure that teacher’s subject knowledge is up to date and promotes high quality computing education at St Paul’s, ensuring that curriculum objectives are met through using Purple Mash.

Teachers and the Computing Lead monitor the progress and understanding of pupils through the creation of ‘2Do’s’. 2Do’s allow staff to save, share (with the class) and assess their children’s work to ensure progress is made.

Teachers assess children using success criteria within individual Purple Mash units based on national curriculum objectives, and record whether children are working at an Emerging, Expected or Exceeding level in their year group.

Pupils work can be shared on interactive whiteboards to allow for peer and self-assessment.

Display boards are utilised in the Computer Suite to promote: the importance of internet safety; computing vocabulary  and terms; and opportunities to print and celebrate children’s work within individual classes.