Computing

Computing

Subject Leader: Mrs J Brabin

At St Joseph’s, we strongly believe in preparing our children for their future, the use of technology to support their learning is an important part of this.  Through teaching Computing we equip children to participate in a rapidly changing world where work and leisure activities are increasingly transformed by technology. We enable them to find, explore, analyse, exchange, present and publish information. We also focus on developing the skills necessary for children to be able to use information in an evaluative and safe way. Computing skills are a major factor in enabling children to be confident, creative and independent learners.

The national curriculum for computing has four main aims to ensure that all pupils:

Can understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation.

Can analyse problems in computational terms, and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems.

Can evaluate and apply information technology, including new or unfamiliar technologies, analytically to solve problems.

Are responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology.

This is underpinned by the key aim of producing learners who are confident and effective users of a wide range of both software and hardware.

At St Joseph’s, curriculum coverage and progression are planned through a series of different units which build upon each other year on year.  Lessons follow the ‘Rising Stars Switched on Computing’ scheme of work which provides six units per year group and are then broken down into weekly differentiated sessions.  Children are able to apply and enhance their skills during their weekly Computing sessions.

The school has two children from year group who are Digital Leaders.  These pupils will be computing champions across the school and have the important role of supporting both pupils and staff.

Computing long-term plan 2021-2022