computing

“Computers are incredibly fast, accurate and stupid; humans are incredibly slow, inaccurate and brilliant; together they are powerful beyond imagination.” (ALBERT EINSTEIN)

At St. Mary and St. Andrew’s Catholic Primary School, the computing curriculum inspires our pupils to become computer literate and confident with ever changing technology. We provide a structured and progressive curriculum that engages our pupils and we aim to empower them to become independent and resilient learners. Our goal is to equip our pupils with knowledge and skills above the minimum statutory requirements and prepare them for opportunities, responsibilities and experiences in later life.

The curriculum is planned to ensure that all pupils (including those with SEND) have an opportunity to engage with a challenging curriculum and achieve success. We currently use Purple Mash as a learning tool and platform for our computing curriculum. It focuses upon the development of computer science, information technology and digital literacy and comprehensively covers the requirements in the National Curriculum.

Access to life-long learning and employment increasingly requires computer and communications use and pupils are taught to develop these skills efficiently. Access to the internet is a necessary tool for staff and pupils. Online safety is a fundamental part of our curriculum. Through carefully planned and responsive, reactive lessons, online safety is taught and discussed with our children at an age appropriate level. Not only are the skills of how to be safe online taught through our computing lessons, knowledge is also dispersed – and acquired by our children – during our PSHE and HRSE lessons. We work hard with our families to help them, and us, keep their children safe online and welcome families into school to attend online safety training.