Computing

In line with the 2014 National Curriculum for Computing, our aim is to provide a high-quality computing education which equips children to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world.

Our school commits to the, ‘4C’s of the 21st Century Learning Skills’ which include critical thinking, creativity, communication and collaboration within our computing and technology curriculum. Enhancing the teaching curriculum using digital tools will help prepare our students for their future success. Computing ensures that all pupils become digitally literate and are able to use, express and develop their ideas through information and communication technology in order to become active digital citizens.

At St Joseph’s, we believe that Computing is an integral part of preparing children to live in a world where technology is rapidly evolving. For this reason, we feel that it is critical that children are able to participate by using a range of tools to fully grasp the relevance and possibilities of emerging technologies. Our school ensures that online-safety is at the core of all computing teaching and learning.

The National Curriculum (2014) explains Computing as a way of using computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world. At the core of computing is computing science, in which children are taught the principles of information and computation, how systems work and how to use this through programming. Computing can be interlinked with other core subjects such as Maths, Science and English in order to provide an insight into the digital world and how to utilise it safely. Children should be able to develop and apply these skills in the real world.

Across both Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2, our school aims to implement a cross-curricular approach that is integrated with technology.

Children can use technology to:

  • Learn Programming through coding and programs on-screen and developing games
  • Develop their computational thinking skills by solving problems, analysing data and creating solutions
  • Develop computing creativity by generating ideas and curiosity by using programmes such as Purple Mash, G-Suite, Adobe Creative Cloud, Bookcreator and much more
  • Safely investigate computer networks through finding images using the Web, researching a topic, being able to question and find answers following school e-safety guidelines
  • Communicate and collaborate by producing e-books, use email, create and write blog posts through Google G-Suite
  • Understand the need for productivity as a life skill through creating, surveys and analyse results and record and analyse data

Teachers are innovative to address a range of teaching and learning styles to ensure all children are adequately challenged. Children work individually, in pairs or in small groups according to the nature of the task.

At St Joseph’s, we use Google Classroom as a platform for children to utilise. G-Suite is the overall cloud service program that is used which offers a multitude of resources that children can use in order to increase their computing skills. Children can access Google Docs to type and collaborate with one another, Google Slides to create presentations and Google Jamboard to share their thoughts and ideas digitally. Google Classroom enables children to access their homework, set tasks and teacher and/or school announcements digitally. It is important for all children to be active on Google Classroom to keep informed of their classwork.

We recognise the essential role that parents play in the education of their children. We encourage parents to be fully involved in their child’s formal education and in the life of the school. We know that we must work in partnership with parents/carers, keeping them fully informed of their child’s achievements and the workings of the school.

Home Learning is the work which is set outside the timetabled curriculum and is to be shared and supported by parents/carers. It contains an element of independent study in that it is not usually directly supervised by a teacher and it represents an extension of the learning opportunities provided in school.

Working closely with parents ensures strong outcomes.

Our children are creative and eager to learn and our computing curriculum offers them an endless stream of opportunities to be techs of the future!

Mrs M Chrusciak
Computing and Google Classroom Lead