Computing at Sacred Heart

 

Intent

The statements below explain the intentions of the Computing Curriculum in Sacred Heart Primary School. These statements outline the knowledge and tools that primary children need to possess to enable them to be secondary-ready, as well as to use these tools in their daily lives.

We want the children to be active, competent, responsible digital citizens in this ever-changing digital world.

We aim to teach the children how to use technology safely, equip them with the tools to be able to ask for help and to know how and where to go for the help they may need.

We develop key skills such as creativity, problem-solving and resilience, which are key skills needed to develop further in this subject.

We want the children to use technology independently and with confidence. We give the children as many opportunities as possible to use different types of software and apps, which will enable them to use these effectively. We also want the children to create their own programs.

We encourage the children to develop their skills in Computing, and to make them aware of the career opportunities available to them in the future, so that they can become Computer Science experts in the future.

 

Implementation

At Sacred Heart Primary, computing is taught using a scheme called ‘Purple Mash’. This scheme ensures we have a balanced coverage of computer science, information technology and digital literacy. The children will have experiences of all three strands in each year group, with the subject knowledge taught becoming increasingly specific and in depth, thus ensuring that learning is built upon. For example, children in Key Stage 1 will learn what algorithms are which then leads to the design stage of programming in Key Stage 2; here they design, write and debug programs, explaining the thinking behind their algorithms.

Children’s digital literacy skills are combined with other subjects; work is word processed, presentations are created and the children learn how to use the hardware we have in school.

The children are taught internet safety throughout each year. They know how to keep themselves safe online and what to do if they come across something that makes them uncomfortable. They are taught how pictures can be manipulated, showing them that what they view in the media isn’t always accurate.

KS2 are taught the importance of reporting something they experience happening to themselves or another person, as in accordance with our Anti Bullying Policy and our Online Safety Policy.

Upper KS2 understand the importance of media balance and appreciate that as they get older, they are more responsible for their online presence and how often they access a variety of forms of media.

Knowledge and skills are mapped across each topic and year group to ensure progression. We have laptops, Chromebooks and iPad’s available to ensure that all year groups have the opportunity to use a range of devices and programs across the wider curriculum, as well as in specific computing lessons.

Computing in action at Sacred Heart:

• Weekly STEM club every Tuesday
• Digital Leaders taking part in the NPCAT Lego Robot League 2021/2022
• Taking part in Safer Internet Day
• Taking part in Computer Science Week
• Taking part in the Hour Of Code