Our Lady of the Rosary

Computing

At Our Lady of the Rosary School, our vision is to transform the lives of our pupils within a Catholic environment by nurturing the wellbeing of each child, promoting the highest academic achievement and instilling a lifelong love of learning. We aim to fulfil our school strap line ‘Faith, Love, Learning’ by igniting a thirst for knowledge and a desire to achieve through an engaging and creative curriculum that promotes the highest academic achievements and prepares our pupils to be successful in their adult life.

Our Vision...

In Our Lady of the Rosary, we aim for our pupils to become confident in all areas of the computing curriculum having developed understanding in the key principles of computer science. It is important for us to help the pupils understand the impact that technology has on everything in our world, positive and negative. Pupils will know how digital systems work and they will be able to put this knowledge to use through programming, using a spiral curriculum which builds on knowledge from Reception to Year 6. The computing curriculum ‘Purple Mash’ will ensure pupils become digitally literate and they will understand how to express themselves digitally in a safe and informative way. We explicitly teach pupils to remain safe online and understand the importance of their digital footprint. We endeavour that each child will be ready for the future of technology and the developments that may occur in their lifetime.

As a school, we share and celebrate our computing work with pride and express that every child is an Our Lady of the Rosary programmer.  

Intent

At Our Lady of the Rosary, we provide our pupils with a high-quality, broad and balanced computing education which prepares them for an ever changing digital world. Our computing curriculum focuses on the progression of skills in: Digital literacy, Computer science, Information technology and E-safety. These strands are revisited through our spiral curriculum to ensure the learning is embedded and skills are successfully developed. Our computing curriculum supports pupils to develop and achieve as competent Computational Thinkers. We ensure that pupils develop a respectful and responsible attitude towards using information and communication technology, especially with regards to their own and other’s safety. In school we provide a safe space in which pupils can navigate and interact with the digital world. We not only equip our pupils with the statutory requirements of the computing National Curriculum but to prepare them for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of later life.

EYFS

In EYFS we use the Mini Mash programme in our computing suite. Technology in the Early Years can mean: 

  • taking a photograph with a camera or tablet
  • searching for information on the internet
  • playing games on the interactive whiteboard
  • exploring an old typewriter or other mechanical toys
  • watching a video clip
  • listening to music

Key Stage 1

Pupils will be taught to:

  • understand what algorithms are; how they are implemented as programs on digital devices; and that programs execute by following precise and unambiguous instructions
  • create and debug simple programs
  • use logical reasoning to predict the behaviour of simple programs
  • use technology purposefully to create, organise, store, manipulate and retrieve digital content
  • recognise common uses of information technology beyond school
  • use technology safely and respectfully, keeping personal information private; identify where to go for help and support when they have concerns about content or contact on the internet or other online technologies.

 Key Stage 2

Pupils will be taught to:

  • design, write and debug programs that accomplish specific goals, including controlling or simulating physical systems; solve problems by decomposing them into smaller parts
  • use sequence, selection, and repetition in programs; work with variables and various forms of input and output
  • use logical reasoning to explain how some simple algorithms work and to detect and correct errors in algorithms and programs
  • understand computer networks including the internet; how they can provide multiple services, such as the world wide web; and the opportunities they offer for communication and collaboration
  • use search technologies effectively, appreciate how results are selected and ranked, and be discerning in evaluating digital content
  • select, use and combine a variety of software (including internet services) on a range of digital devices to design and create a range of programs, systems and content that accomplish given goals, including collecting, analysing, evaluating and presenting data and information
  • use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly; recognise acceptable/unacceptable behaviour; identify a range of ways to report concerns about content and contact.

 

Implementation

  • Computing is taught weekly covering national curriculum objectives.
  • At the start of each Unit of Work pupils will review previous learning and will have the opportunity to share what they already know.
  • Each year builds upon the learning from previous years therefore developing depth of understanding and progression of skills within the strands of digital literacy, information technology and computer science.
  • Pupils have the opportunity to demonstrate their understanding using a variety of hardware (desktop PCs, iPads and programmable equipment) and software that they need to develop knowledge and skills of digital systems and their applications.
  • Pupils have the opportunity to explore and respond to key issues such as digital communications, cyber-bullying, online safety, security, plagiarism and social media.
  • Online safety and responsible use of technology are topics covered in computing and RHE lessons, assemblies and during events such as Safer Internet Day.
  • Digital Leaders from Year 6 support younger pupils in their lessons.
  • Enrichment opportunities for Computing are offered through iPad and computing clubs.
  • Consideration is given to how greater depth will be taught, learnt and demonstrated within each lesson, as well as how learners will be supported in line with the school’s commitment to inclusion.
  • Pupils are regularly given the opportunity for self or peer assessment through discussions throughout lessons.
  • Pupils are given clear success criteria in order to achieve the learning intention with differing elements of independence.
  • Assessment is informed by end of unit assessment, observations during lessons, verbal feedback and pupil voice.
  • Summative judgements (Working Towards/Working At/Working Above age-related Expectations) are recorded in end of year reports for all KS1 and KS2 pupils.

 

Impact

 

  • Pupils will become increasingly proficient in programming and technological skills that are transferable to other curriculum areas, including Science, Mathematics, English and History. Our pupils will become efficient and effective communicators online and be confident in showing their understanding and application of their digital skills. Pupils will have a clear understanding of the importance of E-safety and how they can keep themselves safe online in school and beyond. They will know the positive applications and specified risks associated with a broad range of digital technology. 

Computing overview 2024