Intent

At St Michael’s, we intend to provide a high-quality Computing curriculum that inspires and challenges all pupils. We aim to equip children with the knowledge, skills and understanding they need to use technology confidently, creatively, safely and responsibly. 

Our Computing curriculum develops pupils’ computational thinking, problem-solving and creativity, enabling them to become competent and discerning users of digital technology. Through a progressive programme of learning, children develop their understanding of Computer Science, Information Technology and Digital Literacy, preparing them to participate successfully in an ever-changing digital world. 

We recognise that technology, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), is developing rapidly and is increasingly becoming part of everyday life. We therefore aim to provide children with age-appropriate opportunities to understand and experience AI and to consider how it can be used positively to support learning, creativity and problem-solving. Children are encouraged to develop the critical-thinking skills needed to question, evaluate and make informed decisions about technology and AI-generated content. 

Our curriculum prepares pupils to become responsible digital citizens who can use technology effectively, protect their privacy, respect others and make informed choices online and when using emerging technologies. 

The National Curriculum for Computing aims to ensure that all pupils: 

• understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation; 

• analyse problems in computational terms and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems; 

• 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. 

Our Computing curriculum builds on these principles by preparing pupils to understand and use new and emerging technologies, including AI, in safe, responsible and meaningful ways. 

Implementation 

We have worked closely with a specialist teacher from MGL World, a Liverpool-based computing education specialist, to develop a high-quality and engaging scheme of work tailored to the needs of our pupils. 

Our curriculum provides a structured and progressive approach to developing pupils’ knowledge, understanding and skills. Learning builds systematically from Early Years through to Key Stage 2, enabling children to revisit, practise and apply previously learned skills in increasingly challenging contexts. 

Computing is taught through a combination of Computer Science, Information Technology and Digital Literacy. Pupils develop their understanding of how computer systems work, computational thinking, programming and algorithms, as well as learning how to use technology to create, communicate, investigate and solve problems. 

As part of this, children are introduced to Artificial Intelligence in age-appropriate and meaningful ways. They develop an understanding that AI can process information, recognise patterns and generate content, while recognising that AI does not think or understand in the same way that humans do. Children explore the opportunities and limitations of AI and learn that information generated by AI should be checked and evaluated. 

Across the curriculum, AI and other digital technologies may be used to support creativity, research, questioning, idea generation, problem-solving and the development of digital content where appropriate. Pupils are encouraged to use AI as a tool to support their learning rather than as a replacement for their own thinking, creativity and effort. 

Teachers also consider appropriate opportunities to use AI to enhance teaching and learning, support planning and resource creation, and provide engaging and accessible learning experiences. Staff remain responsible for checking the accuracy, suitability and appropriateness of AI-generated content and for ensuring that its use is consistent with school policies and safeguarding requirements. 

As with all subjects, teaching and learning in Computing is delivered through a variety of approaches, including: 

• whole-class teaching and modelling; 

• individual and collaborative activities; 

• practical investigations; 

• problem-solving and computational thinking; 

• programming and coding activities; 

• skills practice and application; 

• opportunities to create and evaluate digital content; 

• age-appropriate exploration of emerging technologies, including AI; 

• opportunities to critically evaluate digital and AI-generated information. 

Staff confidence and subject knowledge have been strengthened through working alongside a specialist Computing teacher from MGL World. This has provided staff with opportunities to develop their own expertise, share good practice and ensure consistency in the delivery of the curriculum. 

As AI and other technologies develop, staff are encouraged to develop their understanding of their appropriate use in education. Any use of AI within school is undertaken thoughtfully and responsibly, with consideration given to accuracy, privacy, safeguarding, copyright, bias and the age-appropriateness of tools and content. 

All classes are timetabled for a weekly session, with class iPads/laptops available to each pupil on a daily basis. Digital technology is used purposefully across the curriculum, allowing pupils to transfer and apply their Computing skills in different subjects and real-life contexts. 

Teachers identify opportunities for meaningful cross-curricular links wherever possible. This enables pupils to reinforce previously acquired skills and apply their Computing knowledge in new and relevant situations. Where appropriate, pupils may also explore how digital tools and AI can be used to support learning across the wider curriculum. 

Assessment is an integral part of our Computing curriculum. Teachers use ongoing formative assessment, alongside termly assessments, to monitor pupils’ understanding and progress. This information is used to identify gaps, provide appropriate support and ensure that pupils are appropriately challenged. 

We recognise the importance of ensuring that all pupils can access and succeed in Computing. Appropriate adaptations, scaffolding and additional support are provided where required, while opportunities for greater depth and increased challenge are provided for pupils who are ready to extend their learning. 

Online Safety 

Online safety is an integral part of our Computing curriculum and is embedded throughout our scheme of work. Pupils are taught how to use technology safely, responsibly and respectfully, and how to recognise and respond appropriately to potential risks when using digital technologies and AI. 

We regularly review emerging online risks and ensure that relevant issues are discussed with pupils in an age-appropriate way. Children are encouraged to develop the knowledge, confidence and critical-thinking skills needed to make safe and responsible choices online. 

As children encounter AI-generated information, images and other digital content, they are taught that this content may not always be accurate, reliable or unbiased. Pupils learn to question what they see and read, check information using reliable sources and understand that not everything produced by technology should automatically be trusted. 

Children are also taught about the importance of privacy and personal information when using online services and AI tools. They develop an understanding of responsible digital behaviour, including respecting others, copyright, consent and the appropriate sharing of information and content. 

Our Online Safety Ambassadors work alongside staff to promote positive digital citizenship and help raise awareness of online safety across the school community. 

Further information about online safety can be found in the relevant section of the school website. 

Impact 

The impact of our Computing curriculum is measured through pupils’ developing knowledge, understanding, confidence and practical skills across Computer Science, Information Technology and Digital Literacy. 

By the end of their time at St Michael’s, we aim for pupils to: 

• understand key Computing concepts and vocabulary; 

• use technology confidently, creatively and purposefully; 

• apply computational thinking and problem-solving skills; 

• write, test and debug simple programs; 

• understand how digital technology and computer systems work; 

• understand, at an age-appropriate level, what AI is and recognise examples of AI in everyday life; 

• use AI and other emerging technologies appropriately and responsibly; 

• evaluate information and digital content critically, recognising when information should be checked against reliable sources; 

• select appropriate technology and software for different purposes; 

• understand the importance of privacy, personal information, copyright and responsible digital behaviour; 

• apply their Computing skills across the wider curriculum; 

• work collaboratively to solve problems and create digital content; 

• demonstrate increasing independence when using technology; 

• recognise the importance of their own creativity, critical thinking and judgement when working with technology and AI. 

We monitor progress carefully to ensure that pupils make appropriate progress from their individual starting points and that attainment is in line with, or better than, national expectations where appropriate. Pupils are supported to overcome barriers to learning while those who demonstrate a strong understanding are given opportunities to deepen and extend their knowledge and skills. 

Ultimately, we want our pupils to leave St Michael’s as confident, capable, safe and responsible digital citizens, equipped with the skills and understanding they need to navigate, contribute to and succeed in an increasingly digital world. They will understand that technology and AI can provide powerful opportunities for learning, creativity and problem-solving, while recognising the importance of human judgement, curiosity, creativity, critical thinking and responsibility. 

What does Computing look like at St Michael’s? 

Computer Science 

Coding, programming, algorithms, debugging, computational thinking and understanding how computer systems work. 

Information Technology 

Creating digital content, presentations, data, multimedia, using software and exploring appropriate digital and AI-powered tools to support learning and creativity. 

Digital Literacy 

Online safety, evaluating information, responsible use of technology, digital citizenship, understanding AI-generated content, protecting personal information and making informed choices about digital technologies.