Curriculum Intent

At St Thomas’s Computing, we aim to ensure that the curriculum offers a range of opportunities and experiences to develop the whole child and prepare them for the rapidly changing world around us.

We aim to provide a comprehensive computing curriculum that empowers children to explore, analyse, evaluate, and effectively communicate information while fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills through computational approaches and digital literacy. Our engaging, cross-curricular learning experiences spark creativity and deepen understanding. We believe that children will develop disciplinary expertise and essential skills by building a strong foundation of substantive knowledge in a progressive, logical sequence. Our inclusive curriculum is rich, varied, and of the highest quality, designed to stay relevant in our rapidly evolving world. We are committed to equipping pupils with the knowledge, skills, and vocabulary needed to contribute safely and positively to their communities

We follow the NCCE Teach Computing scheme of work, where teachers adapt and tailor the planning to suit the needs of all students, ensuring accessibility for everyone. Each unit is carefully planned and sequenced to promote the natural progression of key skills and knowledge across key stages, in line with the National Curriculum. To further enrich the scheme, we utilise a wide range of technological equipment, including laptops, iPads, and Beebots, along with a variety of software and apps, all of which support the teaching of the NCCE Teach Computing scheme.

Online Safety (E-Safety) is regularly taught throughout the year at age-appropriate levels, based on National Curriculum requirements. Our curriculum ensures students develop a broad range of skills and understanding through the three main strands of Computing: Digital Literacy, Computer Science, and Information Technology. Digital Literacy is embedded within our curriculum and is considered paramount. Students are taught to use technology responsibly and respectfully, becoming positive role models in an increasingly digital society.

Our curriculum is designed to provide all pupils with the highest quality teaching, ensuring access to effective learning and assessment at all times. Students are fully engaged in challenging activities, developing key skills such as problem-solving, initiative, creativity, and a solid grasp of subject-specific knowledge. We equip all of our students with ICT skills, preparing them for the ever-evolving world of work and technology. Through our curriculum, students become inquisitive, resilient learners and logical thinkers, building the knowledge and skills necessary for success. All students will become digitally literate, empowering them to make informed choices that impact their futures and equipping them with the fundamental skills needed to thrive in a technology-driven world.

Key Stage 1 overview

Key stage 1 Pupils should be taught to:

• understand what algorithms are; how they are implemented as programs on digital devices; and that programs execute by following precise and unambiguous instructions

• 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

• use technology safely and respectfully, keeping personal information private; identify where to go for help and support when they have concerns about content or contact on the internet or other online technologies.

Key Stage 2 overview

Key stage 2 Pupils should be taught to:

• design, write and debug programs that accomplish specific goals, including controlling or simulating physical systems; solve problems by decomposing them into smaller parts

• use sequence, selection, and repetition in programs; work with variables and various forms of input and output

• use logical reasoning to explain how some simple algorithms work and to detect and correct errors in algorithms and programs

• understand computer networks including the Internet; how they can provide multiple services, such as the World Wide Web; and the opportunities they offer for communication and collaboration

• use search technologies effectively, appreciate how results are selected and ranked, and be discerning in evaluating digital content

• select, use and combine a variety of software (including internet services) on a range of digital devices to design and create a range of programs, systems and content that accomplish given goals, including collecting, analysing, evaluating and presenting data and information

• use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly; recognise acceptable/unacceptable behaviour; identify a range of ways to report concerns about content and contact.