Computing
Computing in our Curriculum
Our vision
At St Agnes’ we recognize the importance of computing in today’s digital age. Our aim is to empower students to become confident and capable digital citizens, equipped with the skills to navigate and contribute to an increasingly technology-driven world. Through the Teach Computing Curriculum, we encourage creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, enabling children to understand, design, and evaluate computational systems.
We strive to provide a curriculum that not only covers programming and computer science but also fosters an understanding of the broader implications of technology in society. Our approach nurtures students’ curiosity, allowing them to ask questions, explore solutions, and develop a love for learning about computing.
Our rich computing curriculum aims to:
- Equip students with essential skills for their future education and potential careers in a digital landscape.
- Foster a good understanding of computer science, like simplifying problems, using logic, creating algorithms and working with data.
- Promote children to break down problems using computer-based thinking.
- Thoughtfully use technology, including new or unfamiliar tools, to solve problems.
- Develop responsible, skilled, confident, and creative approaches when using technology and communication tools.
Characteristics of a Digital Learner:
At St Agnes’ Catholic Primary School, we are digital learners. We…
- Understand how to navigate and use technology responsibly and safely.
- Approach problems with logical thinking and work to find solutions.
- Use computing tools effectively to research, create, and present work.
- Adapt our approach to using technology based on the task at hand.
- Reflect on our use of technology, ensuring we are ethical and safe digital citizens.
What this looks like at St Agnes
Key Stage 1:
In Key Stage 1, students begin to explore networks to understand how information is shared and practice creating media by producing various formats, including text, images, sounds, and video. They learn about data and information by discovering how data is stored and organized to represent real-world scenarios, while participating in design and development activities to plan and evaluate their computing projects. Basic knowledge of computing systems introduces them to the components of a computer and how they work together. Students also grasp the impact of technology on society and how individuals interact with computer systems, while learning to comprehend and create algorithms as they design simple solutions to problems. Through programming, they develop software for task execution, explore the effective use of tools to enhance their work, and discuss safety and security, focusing on the risks of technology use and protective measures.
Key Stage 2:
In Key Stage 2, students learn to create software that enables computers to solve complex problems and select and produce diverse media, including text, images, sounds, and video. They explore how data is stored and organized, using it to represent real-world scenarios, while gaining insights into the planning, creation, and evaluation of computing artifacts. Students develop a comprehensive understanding of computing systems, learning how different components of a computer function together. They examine the impact of technology on individuals and society, and enhance their skills in comprehending, designing, creating, and evaluating algorithms. Additionally, they utilize various software tools to support their work and discuss the risks associated with technology, focusing on how to protect themselves and others in a digital environment.
What you will typically see in any St Agnes’ computing lesson:
- A range of individual, group and practical activities where children can use digital tools and tackle computational challenges.
- Real-world projects that challenge students to apply their skills to solve problems.
- Emphasis on developing digital literacy, ensuring that all students, regardless of their background, can confidently engage with technology.
Adaptations
Our Computing Curriculum is inclusive and designed to support and challenge all learners, including those with SEND through adaptations including:
- Identify essential learning and misconceptions: Determine the key learning in each unit that every child should know. Provide repeated opportunities for pupils to revisit this content in different ways. Identify any likely misconceptions and address these explicitly in lessons.
- Pre-teaching vocabulary ensures that all students understand key concepts before diving into complex tasks
- Step-by-step instructions and visual aids are provided to help students navigate software and hardware effectively
- Tailored tasks allow students to explore computing concepts at their own pace, promoting confidence and independence.
Assessment
The Teach Computing Curriculum incorporates multiple assessment methods to track student progress.
- Formative assessment: These opportunities are listed in the lesson plan and are included to ensure that misconceptions are recognised and addressed if they occur.
- Summative assessment: This comes in the form of either a multiple choice quiz to assess understanding of key concepts and identify areas for improvement.
