At St. Catherine's there is a wide range of ICT access. We have an ICT suite with 19 desktop computers and a class sets of iPads, which have been generously bought by our PTA.
Wireless connectivity is installed throughout the school to provide internet access to all classrooms. This enables the children to access the internet for research, use email and to print wirelessly from computers and iPads.
The children are taught a range of computing skills, for example: graphics, data, word processing, control and modelling using roamers, as well researching and exploring curriculum topics. The children will also be learning higher-order skills such as writing algorithms and programming using software and physical applications such as 'bee bots' and programming apps on the iPads.
Our creative curriculum provides opportunities to use and apply ICT skills across different curriculum areas, as well as core skills being taught discretely.
As a school we also place a high emphasis on E-safety and children are encouraged to be responsible digital citizens, using the internet appropriately with respect and caution.
Intent
At St. Catherine’s Primary School, we are DIGITAL INNOVATORS! We want our children to understand the potential of technology and start to build computing skills for the future. We want them to become digital creators, using technology to support other areas of their work and lives, and also to understand the responsibilities of being digital consumers on their time, relationships and wellbeing. We know the digital workplace is continuously evolving and want them to grow up wanting to a part of that. At St. Catherine’s, our Computing curriculum strives to develop resilient, reflective, creative and independent learners, building on knowledge and skills each year. It gives space for children to become “computational thinkers”, tackling complex problems, making mistakes and learning from them. It also engages our children, through the creative use of technology, to prepare pupils for the demands of the 21st century and the technological world that awaits them in the future. As well as the huge potential of technology, we teach our children to understand the challenges and problems it can create. We teach them to become good digital citizens, to know how to stay safe and keep others safe online, to be aware of the need to test out what and who they see and the importance of what they share in creating their own digital footprint.
Implementation:
At St. Catherine’s, we are primarily following the Purple Mash scheme of work but incorporate other schemes to best suit the needs of our children.
Computing units are categorised into elements of Digital Literacy, Computer Science and Information Technology.
Children complete computing units half-termly, but digital literacy is embedded in all subjects and is used on a daily basis to enhance and support the learning of other curriculum areas.
We use a suite of core applications linked to the scheme, which enable children to develop and progress their skills through-out school.
Topics are blocked to allow children to focus on developing their knowledge and skills, studying each topic in depth.
Children have access to iPads to support all areas of the curriculum.
In Computing lessons, children use desktop computers in the Computing Suite which allows them to practice basic mouse and keyboard skills.
Teachers follow a clear progression of skills which ensure all pupils are challenged in line with their year group expectations and are given the opportunity to build on their prior knowledge.
To support teaching, staff access a range of resources and planning including Purple Mash, 2Code, Swift Playgrounds (Apple) and more.
Impact:
The implementation of this curriculum ensures that when children leave St. Catherine’s they are competent and safe users of ICT with an understanding of how technology works. They are working at age related expectations and have developed skills to express themselves and be creative in using digital media and be equipped to apply their skills in Computing to different challenges going forward.