At St Augustine’s Catholic Primary School, we aim to prepare our learners for their future by giving them opportunities to gain knowledge and develop skills that will equip them for an ever-changing digital world. Knowledge and understanding of IT are of increasing importance for children’s futures, both at home and in employment.

Our Computing curriculum focuses on the progression of skills in digital literacy, computer science, information technology and online safety to ensure that children become competent in safely using, as well as understanding, technology. These strands are revisited repeatedly through a range of themes during children’s time in school to ensure that learning is embedded and skills are successfully developed. Our intention is that Computing also supports children’s creativity and cross-curricular learning, engaging pupils and enriching their experiences in school.

Our whole curriculum is shaped by our school vision, which aims to enable all children, regardless of background, ability or additional needs, to flourish and become the very best version of themselves that they can possibly be. We teach the National Curriculum through the government-endorsed National Centre for Computing Education scheme, which supports a clear progression of skills and knowledge designed to deepen pupils’ understanding of all aspects of Computing by the end of Key Stage 2. This ensures that skills and knowledge are built upon year by year and sequenced appropriately to maximise learning for all children.

To ensure a broad range of skills and understanding, Computing is taught across three main strands:

• Information Technology

• Digital Literacy

• Computer Science

As part of Information Technology, children learn to use and express themselves, developing their ideas through IT, for example, through writing, presenting and exploring art and design using multimedia.

Within Digital Literacy, children develop practical skills in the safe use of IT and the ability to apply these skills to solving relevant and worthwhile problems, for example understanding the importance of safe internet use, networking and emailing.

In Computer Science, we teach children to understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computing, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation. We also teach pupils how to analyse problems within computing and provide repeated practical opportunities to write programs in order to solve them. A clear progression of computing vocabulary supports children in developing their understanding.

At St Augustine’s, we provide access to a wide range of high-quality resources and offer cross-curricular opportunities for children to apply their computing knowledge and skills.

Online safety is embedded within each computing unit and is also taught as a discrete unit each year. Online safety procedures are clearly communicated with all staff and parents.

The implementation of this curriculum ensures that when children leave our school, they are competent and safe users of technology, with a secure understanding of how it works and a passion for pursuing computing in their further education and daily lives. They will have developed the skills to express themselves creatively using a variety of digital media and will be equipped to apply their computing skills to a wide range of future challenges.

Computing Curriculum Map

Computing Characteristics:

Key characteristics of children becoming good digital citizens include:

Early Years (EYFS/Preschool):

• Basic Technology Use: Simple interactions with touchscreens, using a mouse, and exploring digital media like photos and videos. 
• Sensory Exploration: Engaging with technology through sound, light, and movement. 
• Simple Algorithms: Following simple instructions or sequences with physical programmable toys like Bee-Bots. 
• Creative Expression: Creating digital art or music using basic tools.

Key Stage 1 (Ages 5-7):

• Developing Fine Motor Skills: Using a keyboard, mouse, and touchscreen more proficiently. 
• Introduction to Coding Concepts: Simple block-based programming activities. 
• Digital Citizenship: Understanding basic online safety rules and responsible use of technology. 
• Data Handling: Beginning to understand how data is input, processed, and output by computers. 

Key Stage 2 (Ages 7-11):

• Advanced Coding: Moving beyond block-based programming to text-based languages. 
• Algorithm Design: Creating and debugging simple algorithms. 
• Digital Content Creation: Creating animations, podcasts, and editing images and videos. 
• Internet Research: Learning how to search for information effectively and evaluate its reliability. 
• Web Design: Understanding basic navigation and website structure. 

General Computing Skills:

• Operating Systems: Understanding how to navigate and use the basic functions of an operating system.
• Software Applications: Proficiency in using common software like word processors, spreadsheets, and presentation tools.
• Computer Maintenance: Basic troubleshooting and maintenance of computer systems. 

Resources:

KS1 Curriculum Map

KS2 Curriculum Map

KS1 Vocabulary List

KS2 Vocabulary List

National Curriculum Computing Programme of Study