Computing at St Gerard’s Catholic Primary School

Vision Statement for Computing

Our computing vision at St Gerard’s is that the children should be online-safe, online-inspired and online-confident.

Computing at St Gerard’s

At St Gerard’s we follow the KAPOW computing scheme. This is a spiral curriculum which  revisits the key areas through KS1 and KS2. Each visit to the key area is covered in greater depth. The pupil’s prior knowledge is utilised to help them progress. The scheme provides immense flexibility and strong cross-curricular links whilst teaching aspects of digital literacy and online safety, computational thinking and a knowledge base of computers and hardware.

Vision

We will equip our children with the skills to be autonomous, safe and responsible technicians whilst empowering them to become resilient learners in an ever-growing digital age.

A high-quality computing education equips pupils to use computational thinking and creativity to understand the ever changing world we live in. Computing has deep links with Mathematics, Science, and Design and Technology, and provides insights into both natural and artificial systems. The core of computing is computer science, in which pupils are taught the principles of information and computation, how digital systems work, and how to put this knowledge to use through programming. Building on this knowledge and understanding, pupils are equipped to use information technology to create programs, systems and a range of content. Computing also ensures that pupils become digitally literate – able to use, and express themselves and develop their ideas through information technology.

Intent

At St Gerard’s, we aim to prepare our learners for their future by giving them the opportunities to gain knowledge and develop skills that will equip them for an ever changing digital world. Knowledge and understanding of ICT is of increasing importance for children’s future both at home and for employment. 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 to engage children and enrich their experiences in school.

 

Implementation

Our whole curriculum is shaped by our school vision which aims to enable all children, regardless of background, ability, additional needs, to flourish to become the very best version of themselves they can possibly be. We teach the National Curriculum, supported by a clear skills and knowledge progression. To ensure a broad range of skills and understanding, Computing is taught across three main strands: digital literacy, computer science and information technology. As part of information technology, children learn to use and express themselves and develop their ideas through ICT, for example; writing and presenting as well as exploring art and design using multimedia. Within digital literacy, children develop practical skills in the safe use of ICT and the ability to apply these skills to solving relevant, worthwhile problems for example understanding safe use of internet, networks and email. We also teach a progression of Computing vocabulary to support children in their understanding. At St Gerard’s, we give children access to a wide range of good quality resources and provide cross curricular opportunities for children to apply their Computing knowledge and skills.

 

Impact

The implementation of our curriculum ensures that when children leave school, they are competent and safe users of ICT with an understanding of how technology works. They will have developed skills to express themselves and be creative in using digital media and be equipped to apply their skills in Computing to different challenges going forward.

Computing Curriculum Overview 2023-2024

Computing in School