"The computer is the most extraordinary tool ever invented by man. It’s a tool that can change the world, and we must give our children the power to control it." – Steve Jobs

Intent

Our intent is to provide all pupils with a high-quality computing education that equips them with the knowledge and skills they need to participate confidently, safely and responsibly in the digital world.

We aim for pupils to:

• Develop a secure understanding of key computing concepts and vocabulary.
• Understand and apply the fundamental principles of computer science, including algorithms, programming, logical reasoning and debugging.
• Use a range of digital tools and technologies confidently and purposefully.
• Develop their creativity through the creation of digital content.
• Understand how technology and computer systems work.
• Become digitally literate and able to select and use technology appropriately.
• Understand how to stay safe, respectful and responsible when using technology and communicating online.
• Recognise the opportunities that technology can provide both now and in their future education and careers.
• Develop resilience and problem-solving skills when faced with technological challenges.

We believe that every child should have the opportunity to become a confident and responsible user of technology, regardless of their starting point or previous experience.

Implementation

Computing is taught throughout the school using the Kapow Primary Computing curriculum. The scheme provides a clear progression of knowledge and skills from Early Years through to Year 6, ensuring that pupils continually build upon their previous learning.

Lessons are practical, engaging and designed to give pupils opportunities to explore technology for themselves. Pupils learn through a combination of teacher modelling, discussion, investigation, problem-solving and independent or collaborative tasks.

Across the curriculum, pupils develop their understanding of areas including:

• Computing systems and networks
• Programming and coding
• Data handling
• Creating digital media
• Online safety and digital citizenship

Teachers use assessment opportunities throughout each unit to identify what pupils know, remember and can apply. Learning is adapted where appropriate to ensure that all pupils, including those with SEND, can access and succeed within the computing curriculum.

Key computing vocabulary is explicitly taught and revisited so that pupils can confidently discuss their learning using appropriate technical language.

Online safety is embedded throughout our computing curriculum. Pupils are regularly taught how to protect personal information, recognise potential risks, communicate respectfully, identify reliable information and know what to do if something online makes them feel worried or uncomfortable.

Online safety is also reinforced through whole-school activities, assemblies, themed events and Safer Internet Day, helping pupils understand that safe and responsible technology use extends beyond their computing lessons.

Impact

By the time pupils leave Our Lady of Lourdes, we aim for them to be confident, competent, creative and responsible users of technology.

Pupils will have developed a secure foundation of computing knowledge and skills that prepares them for the next stage of their education and for an increasingly technology-rich world.

The impact of our computing curriculum can be seen through pupils' ability to:

• Use technology confidently and independently.
• Apply their computing knowledge to new situations and problems.
• Create purposeful digital content using a range of technologies.
• Explain key computing concepts using appropriate vocabulary.
• Use logical thinking to create, test and improve programs.
• Make informed choices about the technology they use.
• Recognise online risks and know how to seek help.
• Behave safely, respectfully and responsibly online.
• Transfer their digital skills across different curriculum subjects.

Teachers assess pupils' understanding throughout lessons and units, while pupil voice, work scrutiny and curriculum monitoring help us evaluate the effectiveness of computing across the school.

Ultimately, we want our pupils to leave primary school understanding that technology is not simply something they consume, but something they can understand, create with and use positively to shape their future.

Cross-Curricular Learning

Computing at Our Lady of Lourdes extends beyond the dedicated computing lesson. Where meaningful and appropriate, technology is used across the curriculum to enhance teaching, learning, creativity and communication.

Pupils may use technology to research and present information in English, History, Geography, Science and Religious Education, collect and represent data in Mathematics and Science, create digital artwork and media in Art and Design, and communicate their learning through presentations, documents, images, audio and video.

These opportunities allow pupils to apply their computing knowledge in different contexts and understand how technology can support learning across a wide range of subjects.

Cross-curricular use of technology also develops pupils' independence and encourages them to make informed decisions about which digital tools are most appropriate for a particular purpose.