Intent

At St Bernadette's Catholic Primary School, we provide a high-quality computing education that equips our pupils with the digital skills, knowledge and understanding they need to thrive in an increasingly technological world. We teach The National Centre for Computing Education Raspberry Pi curriculum at St Bernadette’s. The curriculum aims to:

• Develop computational thinking skills that enable pupils to solve problems, design systems and understand how computers work
• Ensure pupils can use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly, understanding how to keep themselves and others safe online
• Prepare pupils to be active participants in a digital world, with the skills to create digital content
• Build confidence and resilience in using technology across the curriculum and in everyday life
• Foster creativity and innovation through programming, digital media and technology projects

Our computing curriculum reflects our Catholic values of community, creativity and service, preparing pupils to use technology responsibly to serve others and contribute positively to society.

Implementation

Computing is taught through weekly dedicated lessons across all year groups, with additional opportunities for cross-curricular application. Our curriculum is structured around the three key areas:

Computer Science: Pupils learn to understand and apply fundamental principles of computer science, including algorithms, programming and logical reasoning. This progresses from simple instructions in EYFS to creating programs using block-based coding (e.g., Scratch Jr) in KS1, and more complex programming in KS2.

Information Technology: Pupils learn to use technology purposefully to create, organise, store, manipulate and retrieve digital content. This includes word processing, presentations, digital art, video editing and data handling.

Digital Literacy: Pupils learn to use technology safely and respectfully, keeping personal information private and recognising acceptable/unacceptable behaviour online. E-safety is embedded throughout all computing teaching and reinforced across the curriculum.

Teaching Approaches:

• Clear learning objectives linked to progression documents
• Modelling and guided practice before independent work
• Opportunities for collaborative learning and problem-solving
• Regular assessment of skills and knowledge
• Use of age-appropriate software and platforms
• Links to other curriculum areas to reinforce computing skills

Teachers receive regular CPD through staff meetings and external training to ensure they are confident in delivering all aspects of the curriculum.

Impact

The impact of our computing curriculum is evident in pupil outcomes. Pupils demonstrate progressive development of computing skills across all three strands.  They can confidently use technology to support their learning across the curriculum. Pupils understand how to stay safe online and can articulate the risks and how to manage them. Our online safety teaching addresses content, contact, conduct and commerce risks in age-appropriate ways. This is also reinforced through assemblies, PSHE lessons and regular communication with parents.They show enthusiasm for computing and are eager to apply their skills creatively. Pupils can explain their computational thinking and problem-solving processes and by the end of Year 6, pupils are digitally literate and prepared for secondary school computing.

Evidence of Impact:

• Work samples showing progression in programming, digital content creation and computational thinking
• Pupil voice interviews demonstrating understanding and enthusiasm
• Observations of pupils using technology confidently and independently
• Participation in computing clubs and online safety awareness quizzes

We use effective internet filtering and other protective measures to ensure that our children are able to use computing in a positive, safe manner. Our reporting system provides us with comprehensive details and alerts, monitored and maintained by our IT technician. 

 

Computing Progression Document Term 1 

    

Computing Progression Document Term 2

Computing Progression Document Term 3