Computing
Computing Curriculum Statement
‘Computing is not about computers anymore. It is about living.’ – Nicholas Negroponte
Intent
At St Mary’s, our Computing curriculum is designed to inspire enjoyment, curiosity, and confidence in using technology. We aim to equip pupils with the knowledge, skills, and understanding to participate fully and responsibly in a digital world.
Our intent is shaped by:
- The ethos, vision, and values of our Catholic school.
- The specific development needs of our pupils.
- The National Curriculum and current educational strategies.
Through Computing, we want pupils to:
- Develop practical digital skills for creating, managing, organising, and collaborating.
- Build confidence in using new software and technology, encouraging experimentation and problem-solving.
- Become responsible digital citizens, aware of online safety and ethical technology use.
- Acquire transferable skills relevant for further education and the modern workplace.
- Explore the creative potential of technology, linking it to cross-curricular learning in art, music, and science.
In short, we want pupils to leave St Mary’s as digitally competent, creative and responsible learners, ready to thrive in a fast-changing technological world.
Implementation
The National Curriculum identifies three key strands in Computing:
- Computer Science – understanding principles of computation and programming.
- Information Technology – using software and hardware to create content.
- Digital Literacy – becoming safe, responsible, and competent users of technology.
Our curriculum is structured around five key areas, revisited progressively each year to ensure a spiral of learning:
- Computer systems and networks
- Programming
- Creating media
- Data handling
- Online safety
We provide opportunities for pupils to apply their skills through ‘Skills Showcase’ units, cross-curricular projects, and collaborative learning. Lessons include a variety of approaches: independent, paired, group, unplugged activities, and digital tasks.
To support learning, we use knowledge organisers, progressive skills documentation, and retrieval practice, helping pupils consolidate key concepts, vocabulary, and technical knowledge.
Impact
The impact of our Computing curriculum is measured through formative and summative assessment. Teachers assess pupils during lessons, while unit quizzes and knowledge catchers monitor understanding and retention.
By the time pupils leave St Mary’s, they are expected to:
- Think critically and make informed digital choices.
- Understand the role of technology in education, work, and personal life.
- Balance technology use with other activities responsibly.
- Use software and hardware creatively to showcase ideas.
- Demonstrate technical skill progression across all three strands.
- Work both independently and collaboratively using digital tools.
- Navigate online safety confidently and responsibly.
- Appreciate current technologies and understand how they interconnect.
Ultimately, our pupils leave St Mary’s confident, capable, and responsible digital citizens, fully prepared for secondary education and life in a digitally connected world.