Computing

Computing

Computing at St Chad’s Catholic Primary School

At St Chad’s Catholic Primary School, we recognise that technology plays a significant role in modern life. Our Computing curriculum aims to equip pupils with the knowledge, skills and confidence to use technology safely, responsibly and creatively.

Through the teaching of Computing, pupils learn how digital systems work and how technology can be used to communicate ideas, solve problems and create new content. Rooted in our Catholic ethos, we encourage pupils to use technology responsibly and respectfully, understanding the importance of kindness, safety and integrity in the online world.

Intent

Our Computing curriculum aims to ensure that all pupils:

• understand the fundamental principles of computer science
• develop the skills needed to use technology confidently and creatively
• become responsible digital citizens who understand how to stay safe online
• learn how to solve problems using computational thinking
• understand how technology is used in the wider world.

The curriculum is designed to build pupils’ knowledge progressively so that they develop a secure understanding of computing concepts as they move through the school.

Implementation

Computing is taught through a carefully structured curriculum that develops pupils’ knowledge and skills across three key areas:

Computer Science – learning how computers work, including algorithms, programming and debugging.

Information Technology – using technology to create digital content such as presentations, documents and media.

Digital Literacy – understanding how to use technology safely, responsibly and respectfully.

Pupils use a range of digital tools and devices to develop practical skills, including coding programs, creating digital media and using technology to support learning across the curriculum.

Online safety is taught regularly and embedded throughout the curriculum to ensure pupils understand how to stay safe when using the internet and digital technologies.

Key computing vocabulary is explicitly taught so pupils can confidently explain concepts and understand how technology works.

Progression

In Early Years, children begin to explore technology through play, learning how to use simple digital devices and understanding that technology can help us communicate and create.

In Key Stage 1, pupils begin to understand basic programming concepts, including algorithms and sequences. They learn how to create and debug simple programs and use technology to organise and present information.

In Key Stage 2, pupils develop more advanced programming skills and learn how digital systems work, including networks and data. They also develop greater independence in creating digital media and using technology for problem solving.

This progression ensures pupils build secure knowledge and confidence in computing as they move through the school.

Impact

By the time pupils leave St Chad’s, they will be confident users of technology who understand how digital systems work and how technology can be used creatively and responsibly.

Pupils will:

• demonstrate problem-solving skills through programming and computational thinking
• use a range of digital tools to create and present information
• understand how to stay safe and behave responsibly online
• recognise the role of technology in the wider world.

The impact of the Computing curriculum is seen through pupils’ digital work, class projects and the confidence pupils show when using technology across the curriculum.

Regular monitoring by the subject leader ensures that the curriculum is taught consistently and that pupils make strong progress in their computing knowledge and skills.