Computing at St Michael's

A high-quality computing education equips pupils to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world. Computing has deep links with mathematics, science, and design and technology, and provides insights into both natural and artificial systems. The core of computing is computer science, in which pupils are taught the principles of information and computation, how digital systems work, and how to put this knowledge to use through programming. Building on this knowledge and understanding, pupils are equipped to use information technology to create programs, systems and a range of content. Computing also ensures that pupils become digitally literate – able to use, and express themselves and develop their ideas through, information and communication technology – at a level suitable for the future workplace and as active participants in a digital world.

Aims 

The national curriculum for computing 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.

Intent

Technology is an integral part of everyday life. With technology playing such a significant role in society today, we believe ‘Computational thinking’ is a skill children must be taught if they are to be able to participate effectively and safely in this digital world. 

St Michael’s is committed to ensuring all children have full access to a high-quality computing education. We have a range of resources to support children in their learning across the whole curriculum as well as in their discrete computing lessons.

Our main priority of computing at St Michael’s is to create children who are confident with the skills derived from the National Curriculum. We also encourage a love of computing and work to develop confident, independent learners who are able to plan, design, create, program and evaluate information through the use of ICT.

As well as the benefits of ICT, we are also aware of the risks. This is why we prepare our children to stay safe online through the use of e-safety awareness units of work, E-safety sessions, circle times and Safer Internet Days. 

Implement

At St Michael’s we implement Computing by:

• Having a clear and effective scheme of work that provides coverage in line with the National Curriculum and progression of skills. At St Michael’s, we use Twinkl Computing Scheme of work.
• Discussing online safety topics and informing children of how to be safe when using technology.
• Keeping parents informed when issues relating to online safety arise and further information/support is provided if required.
• Delivering skill based lessons to focus on typing skills and the use of Microsoft Office, linking to other curriculum subjects.
• Using interactive whiteboards in the classroom to aid learning.
• Holding termly staff meetings to provide staff with relevant training to keep their skills relevant and ensuring they have a good understanding of the computing curriculum.
• Having weekly lessons in our computer suite.
• The use of online computer programmes to support home learning: Spelling Shed and Times Tables Rock Stars .

Impact

• At St Michael’s by following our scheme of work, children will be able to develop a wide range of fundamental skills, knowledge and understanding that will equip them for the rest of their life, both at home and in school.
• Children will have a secure knowledge of the implications of technology and digital systems. This is important in a world where digital technologies are constantly evolving. They will be confident to use them for their own benefit, but more importantly – safely.
• Children will understand the consequences of using the internet and be aware of how to keep themselves safe online.
• Children will have a love and passion for computing and enjoy their lessons.