Computing

As in all areas of learning, the teaching of Computing at St Adrian’s is underpinned by the principles of Catholic Social teaching. Each of the pillars has a role to play when using technology responsibly.

At St Adrian’s, we believe that Computing and the use of technology are central to the education of all children. It is our intention to ensure children become natural users of technology, by equipping them with the computing knowledge they need to be confident, creative and independent in this area, not only during their time at school but also in their future careers. This is part of preparing children to participate in the rapidly-changing, digital world of which they are part. 

We want our children to know about the key elements of computing - Computer Science, Information Technology and Digital Literacy - so they can use computers to create and solve problems while being responsible digital citizens and active members of both our school community and the wider global world.

Our Computing curriculum builds progressively by revisiting prior learning and making clear connections to new concepts. Teachers explicitly model key vocabulary, knowledge and skills. They make clear connections to new concepts, using quizzes to support retrieval and ensure pupils remember more over time.  Teach Computing, supplemented by other resources, is used to deliver lessons which are fully aligned with the National Curriculum. Inclusion is at the heart of all teaching, with adaptations and scaffolding used to support all learners. 

Our Computing curriculum is designed around the four key areas outlined in the National Curriculum; computer science, information technology, digital literacy and online safety. The combination of these areas equips our children with the ability to safely and confidently use different hardware and software. The children begin their journey with technology in Early Years, with access to iPads and BeeBots.

Teachers facilitate children’s curiosity with challenging tasks and model how to use the equipment carefully and safely. At St Adrian's, we have sessions weekly for Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 and cover areas such as communication, programming and creativity. Each half term has a different focus with progressively more complex contexts and outcomes.