St Joseph's School - A Catholic Voluntary Academy

computing

3 I'S STATEMENT AND SUBJECT PROGRESSION DOCUMENTS

Our School Definition Computing:

The activity of using computers and writing programs for them.

Intent Statement - Computing

At St Joseph’s, we are computing pioneers! We want our children to understand the power of technology and start to build computing skills for the future. We want them to be able to use technology to support other areas of their work and lives and also to use technology effectively, responsibly and safely.

Our Commando Joe’s curriculum provides opportunities for inspiring the next generation of software engineers, video game designers, web developers and IT consultants. At St Joseph’s, our Computing curriculum strives to develop resilient, reflective and independent learners whilst also preparing them for the demands of the 21st century and the digital world that awaits them. As well as the huge potential of technology, we teach our children to understand the challenges and issues it can create. We teach them to become good digital citizens, to know how to stay safe online and emphasise that what they share and view creates their own digital footprint. In addition to teaching units linked to our Commando Joe units, we also cover specific theme days and weeks throughout the year. Please see our curriculum portfolio for examples of our theme days.

 

Implementation Statement - Computing

At St Joseph’s, we are primarily following the Code.org schemes of work, linking these to our Commando Joe units where appropriate and possible, whilst incorporating other programmes and themed projects to best suit the needs of our children.

  • Computing units are categorised into elements of Digital Literacy, Coding and E-Safety.
  • Children complete computing units during each term, but digital literacy is used on a weekly basis to enhance and support the learning of other curriculum areas.
  • Computing curriculum objectives are broken down into the rainbow continuum scheme of learning for each year group to allow a clear progression of knowledge between year groups.
  • Children have access to iPads, Laptops and Teams to support all areas of the curriculum.
  • To support teaching, staff access a range of resources and planning including Code.org and ClickView.
  • Our termly assessment allows us to track pupil progress to inform future teaching and learning.
  • The role of parents is recognised and they are involved in understanding how to keep their children safe at home through regular Class Dojo updates and the Safer Schools App.
  • We encourage our children to use ICT equipment and resources at home. St Joseph's staff actively look for opportunities to develop ICT resources in and out of school to offer our children the very best opportunities to develop computing skills.

 

Impact Statement - Computing

Staff ensure that skills progress and are consolidated from those that have been attained in previous years. The schemes developed by Code.org demonstrate this progression of skills over the key stage. We measure the impact of our curriculum through pupil discussions and interviewing the pupils about their learning through pupil voice, monitoring with our subject computing lead and through book, website and photographic evidence.

By the time they leave St Joseph's, children will be confident users of technology, able to use it to accomplish a wide variety of goals, both at home and in school. Children will become critical thinkers that can solve problems. They will be responsible, respectful and safe users of data, information and communication technology. Children will be able to apply the British Values of democracy, tolerance, mutual respect, rule of law and liberty when using digital systems.

Many parents engage with the school’s Class Dojo App and the school website to keep up-to-date with developments that are happening in school. Families at our school use technology responsibly, in line with the school’s acceptable use policies.

 

Please see the Subject Progression Document for Computing below...