Intent
At St Michael’s we intend to provide a computing curriculum that strives to create opportunities for children to access a high quality computing education which equips them to be able to use computational thinking and creativity, enabling them to be good 21st Century global citizens. We aim for our children to be confident, competent and discerning users of digital technology, which will prepare them for participation in a rapidly changing world; including programming, creating media and utilising online programs and softwares.

‘The National Curriculum 2014’ ensures that all pupils:

• Can understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation
• Can analyse problems in computational terms, and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems
• Can evaluate and apply information technology, including new or unfamiliar technologies, analytically to solve problems
• Are responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology

Implementation
We have worked very closely with a specialist teacher from MGL World (a Liverpool-based computing education specialist company) to create our own scheme of work that is of high quality and engaging for all children. We recognise that pupils are entitled to a broad and balanced computing education with a structured, progressive, approach to the learning of how computer systems work, the use of IT and the skills necessary to become digitally literate and participate fully in the modern world.

In Computing, as with all subjects, we implement teaching and learning using a variety of whole class, individual and group work, direct teaching, pupil investigation and skills practice. Staff confidence and expertise in the understanding and implementation of the curriculum has been developed by previously employing a specialist teacher from MGL World allowing staff opportunities to consult with and work closely together. Termly assessments are made and progression is monitored.

To ensure implementation of the curriculum, all classes are timetabled to receive a weekly slot in our computer suite and class iPads are given out to each year group daily. Teachers can request to use our full class set of iPads when cross-curricular links arise. Teachers identify links with other areas of the curriculum wherever possible so that previously gained skills can be reinforced and applied in new contexts, as well as supporting learning in other areas.
 

E-Safety
Online safety is embedded deeply within our scheme of work to ensure safe and responsible use of technology for all pupils and staff. We work hard to keep up to date on possible dangers and will share these regularly with the children. We have E-safety ambassadors in school who work closely with staff to promote this.
If you would like more information about E-safety please go to this section of the school website.

Impact
We intend that the impact of the teaching and learning of Computing at St. Michael’s ensures children make progress and attain in-line with or better than national expectations. We strive to ensure that children are given opportunities to achieve the greater depth standard whilst appropriately supporting those pupils working towards the expected standard.

We hope that the impact of engaging, challenging and relevant Computer experiences will develop a life-long love of technology and support all of our pupils in the future with immense possibilities.

National Curriculum link
For more information, here is the link to the National Curriculum for Computing:

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/239033/PRIMARY_national_curriculum_-_Computing.pdf