Computing at St. Joseph's Catholic Primary School

At St. Joseph's, we are committed to preparing our children for the ever-evolving digital world. Our Computing curriculum is designed to instil a sense of enjoyment and confidence in using technology, while also developing a deep appreciation for its capabilities and the opportunities it offers.

Our Vision and Approach

Our school's mission statement, "We care, we belong, we learn together in faith," is at the heart of our Computing curriculum. We believe that by fostering a nurturing environment where children feel valued and supported, we can empower them to become responsible, digitally competent citizens, ready to thrive in the future workplace.

We have adopted the Kapow Primary Computing scheme of work, which enables our pupils to meet the end-of-key-stage attainment targets outlined in the National Curriculum. This comprehensive programme covers the three key strands of Computing: Computer Science, Information Technology, and Digital Literacy. Our carefully crafted skills and knowledge progression document ensures that children's learning builds upon previous knowledge, allowing them to develop a secure understanding of core computing concepts by the end of each key stage.

Engaging and Inclusive Learning

Our Computing lessons incorporate a range of teaching strategies, including independent tasks, paired and group work, as well as both unplugged and digital activities. This variety ensures that our lessons are engaging and appeal to children with diverse learning styles. Differentiation is a key focus, allowing all pupils to access the curriculum and develop their skills and knowledge at their own pace.

As a small school, we teach Computing to mixed-age classes in cycles.

Monitoring and Assessment

The impact of our Computing curriculum is continuously monitored through both formative and summative assessment opportunities. Each lesson in the Kapow Primary scheme includes guidance to support our teachers in assessing pupils against the learning objectives, enabling them to plan next steps and adapt learning as needed. Additionally, each unit includes a unit quiz and knowledge catcher, which are used to assess children's progress and inform future planning.

Preparing for the Future

Through our Computing curriculum, we aim to equip our children with a range of skills and knowledge that will enable them to succeed in their secondary education and become active participants in the ever-increasing digital world. By fostering a love of technology and a sense of digital responsibility, we are nurturing the next generation of confident, capable, and ethical technology users.

Integrating Technology Across the Curriculum

Our school is proud to provide each child with their own iPad, which they use to support their learning across all subjects. From conducting research and creating presentations in Geography and History, to coding and programming in computing, our children are given the opportunity to explore and apply technology in meaningful and engaging ways.

Developing Digital Literacy and Citizenship

Alongside our focus on academic achievement, we place great importance on nurturing our children's digital literacy and citizenship. Through our computing curriculum, we teach them how to use technology responsibly, critically evaluate online information, and develop a strong understanding of online safety and digital wellbeing.

Fostering Creativity and Innovation

At St. Joseph's, we believe that technology should be a tool for creativity and innovation. Our children are encouraged to use their iPads to express their ideas, solve problems, and bring their imaginations to life. Whether they are designing digital art, composing music, or coding their own games, our pupils are empowered to explore the boundless possibilities of technology.

Strengthening Home-School Partnerships

We recognise that the successful integration of technology in education requires a collaborative effort between school and home. That's why we work closely with our families to ensure that our children have the support and guidance they need to use their iPads responsibly and effectively. Through regular communication and digital workshops, we strive to build strong partnerships that enable our pupils to thrive in the digital age.

For more information on our school's computing provision, please visit our school website or contact the school office.