Computing and Digital Learning at St Catherine’s Catholic Primary School

At St Catherine’s Catholic Primary School, we are committed to preparing our pupils for an increasingly digital world. Computing is an important part of our curriculum because it helps children to use technology confidently, creatively, safely and responsibly.

At St Catherine’s, we follow the MGL Computing curriculum, which provides a progressive programme from Reception to Year 6. The curriculum is built around three key strands: Digital Literacy, Computer Science and Information Technology. These strands ensure that children learn how to use technology effectively, understand how computers and programs work, and develop the knowledge needed to stay safe online.

Online safety is a fundamental part of our safeguarding approach. It is taught explicitly through Computing and PSHE and reinforced through assemblies, themed weeks, class discussions and whole-school safeguarding practice. Our online safety provision combines the 1decision PSHE curriculum, the MGL Computing curriculum and wider safeguarding practice to help pupils become safe, respectful and responsible digital citizens.

Intent

Our computing curriculum aims to:

Equip children with the knowledge and skills to use technology confidently, creatively and effectively.

Develop children’s understanding of computer science, including algorithms, coding, programming, debugging and how computers work.

Teach children how to use information technology to create, organise, store, present and share digital content.

Develop children’s digital literacy so they can use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly.

Help children understand how to protect personal information and seek help from trusted adults when needed.

Prepare children for the next stage of their education and for life in an increasingly digital world.

Encourage children to use technology to communicate, create, solve problems and support learning across the curriculum.

Implementation

MGL Computing curriculum: We follow the MGL Computing curriculum, which provides a carefully sequenced programme across Digital Literacy, Computer Science and Information Technology.

Early Years: Children begin by learning how to use technology safely, recognise trusted adults, identify parts of a computer and understand simple cause and effect in computing.

Key Stage 1: Pupils develop basic computing skills, including logging in, using passwords, word processing, digital painting, presenting information, understanding what a computer is, using pictograms and beginning to code through algorithms, robotics and Scratch Jr.

Lower Key Stage 2: Children build on earlier learning by composing emails, using Microsoft Word, programming in Scratch, debugging, altering media, understanding the inside of a computer, publishing online content, using branching databases, creating games, making special effects movies and learning about smarter searching and online safety.

Upper Key Stage 2: Pupils develop more advanced computing knowledge and skills through creating and searching databases, using variables, coding with Micro:Bits, stop motion animation, learning about the internet and World Wide Web, 3D modelling, using Excel formulae, introductory Python, game design, podcasting, HTML and social media safety.

Online safety: Online safety is taught progressively from Early Years to Year 6. Children learn about privacy, online relationships, online bullying, image sharing, managing information, digital footprints, scams, social media, misinformation and how to seek help.

Cross-curricular learning: Children use technology to support learning across the curriculum, including research, publishing, presenting information, creating media, using data and communicating ideas clearly.

Practical application: Pupils are given opportunities to apply their computing knowledge through real tasks, including creating digital artwork, animations, podcasts, websites, games, databases and presentations.

Supporting SEND Learners in Computing

At St Catherine’s, we ensure that all children can access and enjoy the computing curriculum.

Tasks are broken down into clear steps.

Visual prompts, modelling and guided practice are used to support understanding.

Children are given opportunities to revisit key skills and vocabulary.

Adaptive tools and adult support are used where needed.

Pupils are encouraged to develop independence and confidence when using technology.

Online safety messages are revisited regularly so that all children understand how to stay safe and seek help.

Impact

Through our computing curriculum, children at St Catherine’s:

Develop confidence in using a range of technology and digital tools.

Understand the key principles of computer science, including algorithms, programming and debugging.

Use information technology to create, present, organise and communicate ideas.

Develop digital literacy and understand how to behave safely, respectfully and responsibly online.

Learn how to protect personal information and recognise unsafe online situations.

Understand how technology can be used creatively and purposefully across the curriculum.

Are prepared for the next stage of their education and for life in a digital world.

By the end of Key Stage 2, children will have experienced a broad and progressive computing curriculum, including coding, online safety, data handling, digital media, website design, animation, podcasting and introductory text-based programming.