Computing Curriculum Intent:

Through our computing curriculum at St Simon of England we aim to give our pupils the life-skills that will enable them to embrace and utilise new technology in a socially responsible and safe way in order to flourish.

We want our pupils to be able to operate in the workplace of the future and we want them to know the career opportunities that will be open to them if they study computing.

We want children to become autonomous, independent users of computing technologies, gaining confidence and enjoyment from their activities. We want the use of technology to support learning across the entire curriculum and to ensure that our curriculum is accessible to every child.

Not only do we want them to be digitally literate and competent end-users of technology but through our computer science lessons we want them to develop creativity, resilience, problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

We want our pupils to have a breadth of experience to develop their understanding of themselves as individuals within the community but also as members of a wider global community and as responsible digital citizens.

Computing Curriculum Implementation:

Computing is taught weekly through Years 1 – 6 following the Purple Mash scheme – a scheme carefully chosen to support our aim to provide our pupils with a first-class education in computer science, digital literacy, and online safety.

Purple Mash is used to offer a variety of opportunities for children in the Early Years Foundation Stage to develop the computing skills needed to access the next stages of their education and in harmony with EYFS framework.

The units from Purple Mash for Foundation Stage are linked to other learning and help familiarize the pupils with using the program so that this helps with transition to Key Stage 1.

Our scheme not only ensures that pupils and teachers enjoy high quality lessons that meet the requirements of the National Curriculum and progresses the children's skills and abilities, but also offers a wealth of tools which are linked to developing learning across the whole curriculum.

Online/E-Safety is an important part of the computing curriculum and the children’s knowledge will develop each year. Online/E-safety is taught in separate units in Purple Mash and is also woven throughout the other units in the programme. 

At the beginning of any lesson involving technology children are reminded of our e-safety expectations and what to do if they are unsure of anything they come across when online.
Aspects of Online/E-safety are also addressed in our RHE programme “Life to the Full”.
 

At St Simon’s we are well resourced with efficient laptops enabling teachers to deliver well planned lessons to all pupils within the classroom. In addition, pupils are given opportunities to link their computing skills to the exciting and broad curriculum we offer in English, Mathematics, Science, Geography, History, MFL, R.E. Art and Design and Technology.

Children are encouraged to share and celebrate their work with their peers, further developing their understanding of key concepts and essential verbal language skills.

We have a small computing suite which is timetabled so that all year groups have the opportunity to work digitally in smaller groups.

Teachers in all classes use a large interactive whiteboard with their pupils as well as a class ipad.

Digital home learning is also regularly set with pupils being able to access Purple Mash with their own login.

Computing Curriculum Impact:

As a result of our teaching, you will find, at St Simon’s, engaged children who are all challenged and enthused by digital learning. The children are confident and are able to apply their understanding of computing to solve problems and present their ideas in creative and innovative ways.

Inclusive lessons in which children are well supported to use a variety software to support learning and broaden and enhance the children’s digital literacy. Pupils who are able to use technology independently, responsibly, and understand how to behave considerately and stay safe in a digital world.

Enrichment.

Click on the link below to access this free coding club where you can develop your skills in SCRATCH and PYTHON.