At Our Lady’s Catholic Primary School, pupils will be taught the core principles of information and computation, how digital systems work and how to use the information through programming. Having a deep and broad curriculum allows our pupils to become digitally literate. Being able to express and develop their ideas through technology, safely, in a positive way is extremely important as the technological world evolves.

As a school, we use the iCompute scheme of work. Three computing topics are taught each year in Terms 2, 4 and 6. All evidence is kept in a computing folder. Teachers use the school assessment pro-forma to make assessments at the end of each unit. Knowledge and skills are drawn from our progression of skills document and are sequenced and taught to build on prior learning. The skills are taught creatively using a series of plugged and unplugged lessons, where children are working to a practical end goal.

In the EYFS, children are encouraged to complete computing activities that links to UW, EAaD, PSED and PD of their Early Learning goals. These activities are assessed and logged on ‘Evidence Me’.

In KS1, children have access to the computing curriculum everyday through Continuous Provision. This is also supported by termly tasks and challenges that all children are expected to complete. Evidence is also logged on ‘Evidence Me’ and challenges are kept in personal challenge folders.

Coding is taught to pupils ensuring they understand what algorithms are, how they are implemented as programs on digital devices and that programs execute by following precise and unambiguous instructions. They will learn how to 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 and use technology safely and respectfully, keeping personal information private and to identify where to go for help and support when they have concerns about content or contact on the internet or other online technologies.