Computing:

Intent:

At St Augustine’s Catholic Primary School, 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. Knowledge and understanding of IT is of increasing importance for children’s future both at home and for employment. Our Computing curriculum focuses on a progression of skills in digital literacy, computer science, information technology and online safety to ensure that children become competent in safely using, as well as understanding, technology. These strands are revisited repeatedly through a range of themes during children’s time in school to ensure the learning is embedded and skills are successfully developed. Our intention is that Computing also supports children’s creativity and cross curricular learning to engage children and enrich their experiences in school.

Our whole curriculum is shaped by our school vision which aims to enable all children, regardless of background, ability or additional needs; to flourish to become the very best version of themselves they can possibly be. We teach the National Curriculum through the, government endorsed, National Centre for Computing Education scheme which supports a clear skills and knowledge progression designed to deepen the pupils’ knowledge of all aspects of Computing by the end of KS2. This ensures that skills and knowledge are built on year by year and sequenced appropriately to maximise learning for all children. To ensure a broad range of skills and understanding, Computing is taught across three main strands:

• information technology,
• digital literacy and
• computer science.

As part of information technology, children learn to use and express themselves and develop their ideas through IT for example writing and presenting as well as exploring art and design using multimedia.

Within digital literacy, children develop practical skills in the safe use of IT and the ability to apply these skills to solving relevant, worthwhile problems for example understanding the importance of the safe use of internet, networking and emailing.

In computer science we teach children to understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation. We also aim to teach our pupils how to analyse problems within computing, and have repeated practical experience of writing using computer programs in order to solve such problems. We also teach a progression of Computing vocabulary to support children in their understanding. At St Augustine’s, we give children access to a wide range of good quality resources and provide cross curricular opportunities for children to apply their Computing knowledge and skills.

Online safety is taught within each Computing lesson as activities within each unit, as well as being taught as an independent unit each year. Online safety procedures are communicated with all staff and parents.

The implementation of this curriculum ensures that when children leave our school, they are competent and safe computer users with an understanding of how technology works as well as a passion for pursuing Computing in their further education and in their own lives. They will have developed skills to express themselves and be creative in using a variety of digital mediums and be equipped to apply their skills in Computing to a myriad of different challenges going forward.

Computing Curriculum Map

Computing Characteristics:

Key characteristics of children becoming good digital citizens include:

Early Years (EYFS/Preschool):

• Basic Technology Use: Simple interactions with touchscreens, using a mouse, and exploring digital media like photos and videos. 
• Sensory Exploration: Engaging with technology through sound, light, and movement. 
• Simple Algorithms: Following simple instructions or sequences with physical programmable toys like Bee-Bots. 
• Creative Expression: Creating digital art or music using basic tools.

Key Stage 1 (Ages 5-7):

• Developing Fine Motor Skills: Using a keyboard, mouse, and touchscreen more proficiently. 
• Introduction to Coding Concepts: Simple block-based programming activities. 
• Digital Citizenship: Understanding basic online safety rules and responsible use of technology. 
• Data Handling: Beginning to understand how data is input, processed, and output by computers. 

Key Stage 2 (Ages 7-11):

• Advanced Coding: Moving beyond block-based programming to text-based languages. 
• Algorithm Design: Creating and debugging simple algorithms. 
• Digital Content Creation: Creating animations, podcasts, and editing images and videos. 
• Internet Research: Learning how to search for information effectively and evaluate its reliability. 
• Web Design: Understanding basic navigation and website structure. 

General Computing Skills:

• Operating Systems: Understanding how to navigate and use the basic functions of an operating system.
• Software Applications: Proficiency in using common software like word processors, spreadsheets, and presentation tools.
• Computer Maintenance: Basic troubleshooting and maintenance of computer systems.