Computing
Subject Intent
At St. Mark’s, our computing curriculum is designed to equip children with the skills and understanding to live in a technological world; this includes being able to use a variety of computer software and coding programmes. Our computing curriculum equips pupils to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world.
We aim for all pupils to become digitally literate and we give them the means to be able to use and express themselves and develop their ideas through information and communication technology, with a focus on online safety, at a level suitable for the future workplace and as active participants in a digital world. It is our intention to teach a range of skills that are transferable in a variety of other subjects, as well as the children’s wider life outside of school. We want to develop children’s experience and understanding of ICT, preparing then for jobs for the future.
Rationale
At St. Mark’s we are aware of the ever-changing world of technology and the advancements made over time. We strive to ensure that children will be engaged and enthused about computing and will be equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to access technology in the outside world. The children that we teach will learn to apply the skills they learn to solve problems and they will become confident programmers and word processors so that they can keep up with the advancements in Information Communication Technology.
Computing lessons at St. Mark’s are taught through the BGfL platform, following the Entrust Technologies Schemes of Learning.
Curriculum Overview
What our Children Say…
“Computing is fun. It teaches you lots of things. I love travelling around space on Jit5 Turtle.” – Alex
“I like Computing, it is very fun. I like the algorithms and coding. I like everything about Computing.” – Josiah
“I like when we go to the Computer Suite and learn coding.” – Tia
“Computing will help me to become a web designer when I am older.” – Kaiden
Gallery
Online Safety
Keeping Children safe online is a fundamental part of our Computing and Online Safety curriculum. At St. Mark’s children are taught how to stay safe using resources taken from Project Evolve and Education for a Connected World, following the themes outlined below:
- Autumn 1 – Health, wellbeing and lifestyle.
- Autumn 1 and 2 – Privacy and settings.
- Autumn 2 – Online relationships.
- Spring 1 – Online reputations.
- Spring 1 and 2 – Online bullying.
- Spring 2 – Self-image and identity.
- Summer 1 – Managing online information.
- Summer 2 – Copyright and ownership.
Curriculum Overview
What our Children Say…
“Never share any personal information about ourselves online.” – Adam
“Don’t talk to strangers online, only talk to people who you know in real life.” – Shaheen
“If something happens online that we do not like or it makes us uncomfortable, we must tell our trusted adults straight away.” – Natasha