Computing

At St Mary'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. Our computing curriculum focuses on progression skills in computer science, information technology, digital literacy and online safety to ensure that children become competent in safely using, as well as understanding, technology. Online safety is paramount and we follow Project Evolve to ensure coverage of the key areas of being safe online and this is also taught discretely as well as embedded within our computing lessons. These skills are revisited repeatedly to ensure that the learning is embedded and that the skills are developed.

Computing is taught in discrete computing lessons but skills are often transferred to other curriculum areas. Employing cross-curricular links motivates pupils and supports them to make connections and remember the steps they have been taught. Having discrete lessons means that the children are able to develop depth in their knowledge and skills over the duration of each of their computing topics. We have around 40 laptops in school as well as around 40 iPads across EYFS, KS1 and KS2.

The implementation of this curriculum ensures that, when children leave St Mary's, they are competent and safe users of IT with an understanding of how technology works. They will have developed skills to express themselves and be equipped to apply their skills in computing to different challenges going forward.