Our vision for Computing at St. Joseph’s
At St. Joseph’s, we believe that computing is an essential skill for all children to learn in order to thrive in the 21st century. Our vision is to develop children's computational thinking skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities so that they can become resilient and responsible digital citizens, whilst also giving them the knowledge and understanding of how to stay safe and be empathetic online.
We want our children to be able to use technology to create, communicate, and collaborate effectively. We also want them to be aware of the potential dangers of the online world and to be able to use technology safely and responsibly. We aim to teach our children that the high expectations they withhold in school should extend to their actions online.
We believe that computing should be integrated into all areas of the curriculum, and we are committed to providing our children with the opportunities they need to develop their computational thinking skills and to become aspirational users of technology.
What does Computing look like at St. Joseph’s?
Within the Early Years Foundation, children are able to explore a variety of digital devices including desktop computers, keyboards, mice and monitors as part of continuous provision. Children are able to have the opportunity to engage with iPads, and along with the rest of the school celebrate Safer Internet Day - suplimented with a variety of picture books.
From years 1 to 6, computing is taught using the NCCE’s Teach Computing curriculum, a scheme of work funded by the Department for Education. They aim to transform the way computing is taught in schools across the country – and enable more young people to benefit from studying this important subject. Through this, they believe that their skills and career opportunities will be enhanced.
Our computing curriculum is separated into three areas of learning:
Computing Systems and Networks
- Children learn how to identify technology, as well as the variety of ways that computers can share information.
Creating Media
- Children learn how to create a variety of media using technology, and compare it with non-digital equivalents.
Programming
- Children progress through a variety of programming environments to enhance their programming skills and to allow for greater degrees of customisation/independence.
Our curriculum has been carefully constructed to meet the needs of the National Curriculum, a link to which can be found here.
Knowledge Organisers
At our school, we use knowledge organisers in Computing to support pupils in confidently learning and retaining key concepts from the Teach Computing curriculum. These carefully structured summaries provide clear, accessible overviews of essential vocabulary, processes and ideas, helping children to build a strong foundation in digital literacy and computer science. By encouraging regular review and recall, knowledge organisers promote resilience, independence and a deeper understanding, enabling pupils to apply their learning with confidence. In this way, we nurture thoughtful, responsible learners who use technology wisely and reflectively in line with our Gospel values.
Objective Overviews and Progression of Key Vocabulary
Computing Curriculum Coverage
At our school, the computing curriculum is carefully designed to meet the requirements of the National Curriculum while reflecting our core values of respect, responsibility and stewardship. Through a broad and engaging programme of study, pupils develop essential skills in computer science, information technology and digital literacy, ensuring they are confident and safe users of technology. Learning is progressive across all year groups, enabling children to build knowledge of coding, data handling and online safety, while also encouraging creativity and problem-solving. We ensure that all pupils are well prepared for the modern world and are able to use technology in a thoughtful and ethical way that reflects our Catholic ethos.
Subject Policy
Our Computing Policy outlines our commitment to delivering a high-quality, engaging and progressive computing education for all pupils. Aligned with the Teach Computing curriculum, it sets out how we develop pupils’ knowledge, skills and understanding in computer science, information technology and digital literacy. Through a clear and consistent approach, our policy ensures that all children are equipped to use technology safely, creatively and responsibly, supporting their learning both within school and in the wider world.
Digital Leaders
Each year children submit applications to become a digital leader. The responsibilities of a digital leader include:
•Helping staff get computing equipment ready and organised (charging laptops and iPads)
•Trying out and reviewing new apps, websites and programs which could be used in lessons
•Demonstrating how to use technology in the classroom
•Assisting visitors to their classroom with any technology issues that may arise
•Demonstrating how to use everyday programs (e.g. Microsoft Word, PowerPoint) and easy-to-use websites to other students and staff
•Demonstrating how to use apps and websites to enhance teaching and learning (Scratch, Scratch Jr, Microbit Makecode, StopMotion)
•Helping to produce and deliver assemblies about online safety and acceptable use of equipment, devices and programs (games)
•Organise and judge ICT related competitions
•Helping to organise Safer Internet Day
•Promoting online safety and safe internet use
Digital Leaders meet every few weeks to discuss online safety and various projects throughout the school. There are two Digital Leaders from Y1-5, with three in Y6. They have been working on some amazing things so far - which we will be updating you all on shortly!
Computing Clubs
We offer a variety of extra-curricula activities to support our computing curriculum. So far this year, we have run a Stop Motion Animation club and Digital Musicians club.
Stop Motion Animation Club
KS1 children enjoyed making short stop motion videos using a variety of resources. They worked independently and in small groups to create a variety of videos. They loved using the farm animals and Lego to tell stories and make the animals dance. They had high expectations when adding audio to their videos to make their animals speak, and worked with patience and resilience.
The StopMotion app, which the children used, can be found here.
Digital Musicians
Years 1, 2, and 3 have been very busy exploring the ways we can use digital devices to create music. The children have been using a variety of software, including Audacity, Chrome Music Labs, Garage Band and online piano applications to get creative.
Books for Future Computer Scientists!
Below you can find some reading recommendations to build children's knowledge and understanding of Computing.
Resources for Parents/Carers
Below you can find relevant guides to help keep your child safe online, including guides to popular online platforms.
ParentHub is particularly useful. It has been created by YGAM (Young Gamers and Gamblers Education Trust). The guide for gamers has a glossary of terms to aid adult understanding, as well as a catalogue of games explaining the risks and reasons for certain age ratings.