Vision Statement
Together we inspire one another to love learn respect and forgive, rooted and built up in Christ, so that every member of our school community can develop and flourish; united in mutual respect with a sense of belonging.
Intent of the teaching and learning of Computing
We teach computing so that our children can confidently use technology and analytically solve computational problems and communicate in a digitally literate world. They are taught these things whilst being continually reminded about the responsible use of technology, particularly when online, as well as being provided with the skills and knowledge to know what to do if they see or experience something inappropriate or that worries them. We want to start to prepare our pupils, for a world where IT literacy, is increasingly essential in work and life more generally.
Implementation of the teaching and learning of Computing
Computing is taught across the school on a weekly basis, using the Microsoft applications and Purple Mash as the primary teaching tools. As a part of this, a comprehensive E-Safety curriculum is taught using the ‘Project Evolve’ website for planning and resources. Skills learned in computing are also practiced across the curriculum when work using technology is planned for other subjects.
The curriculum has been built so that learning is continually built on, both within the same year and year on year. Information Technology is prevalent in years one and two to ensure that the children learn the vital skills needed to access and use technological devices such as laptops, desktops and iPads. As the curriculum moves into Key Stage 2, computer science is introduced which will equip the children with the ability to programme, follow algorithms and understand computer networks by the time they leave the school. This will give the children confidence as they move into secondary school where technologies are used for learning everyday and also begin to prepare them for their lives in a technology filled world after education.
E-Safety and Digital Literacy is given a high priority and is taught at the start of each of the five units throughout the year. Within the Project Evolve platform, there are eight strands and five are taught within the curriculum time itself. The other three strands are taught throughout the year – one per term. This means that the Digital Literacy and E-Safety units are a constant thread throughout the year, ensuring that these important elements of the curriculum remain fresh in the pupil’s minds.
Impact of the teaching and learning of Computing
Microsoft related work is saved on the individual class areas within the Student Hub and work done within Purple Mash is saved in the Purple Mash class areas. This work can be accessed by all staff and saving work in this way has given the children some important skills when storing and retrieving their files. Purple Mash work is available for all teachers to see and they may choose to share examples of children’s work saved in Purple Mash as examples of good practice. All work can be assessed from these places and monitored accordingly. Assessment of computing is conducted in an on-going and formative way.
Children leaving St Joseph’s will have had a thorough and well-rounded education in computing. They will understand that information technology, computer science and digital literacy skills are important for all aspects of living in the digital age. They will understand that learned skills will enable them to be able to solve problems, knowing that there may be more than one solution, or that some problems are difficult to solve, building resilience in the process. They will know that they should work online safely and understand their responsibilities whilst working online – particularly with the feelings of others in mind. They should understand, at an age appropriate level, that the internet has malevolent content and know what to do and who to go to, should they ever experience anything they feel unsure of. St Joseph’s pupils will be able to move forward using digital equipment and the associated skills with confidence.
P Challoner (Computing Subject Lead)
