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Computing

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?

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.

 

Please also visit our Policy page to view the following policies:

  • Safeguarding for Technology

National curriculum - Computing.pdf
Computing Intent, Implementation & Impact 2024.pdf
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.

Parent Hub (created by YGAM)
Guidance on Digital Devices for children aged 1-5
Child Net
ThinkUKnow
Parents guide to Roblox and how your kids can play it safely
Snapchat Guidance
TikTok Guidance
YouTube Guidance
Roblox Guidance