Computing

At St Bernadette’s, we recognise that Technology has changed, and will continue to change, our daily lives. A vital component of global future prosperity, our aim is to make children aware that as users and creators of technology, they can make a valuable contribution to improve the world we all share. As such, all pupils will build up a body of key foundational knowledge and concepts, recognise the power of rational explanation and develop a sense of excitement and curiosity about natural phenomena and God’s great world. We also understand the immense value technology plays in supporting the Computing and whole school curriculum, day-to-day life of our school. Pupils are introduced to a wide range of technology, including programmable toys, iPads, laptops, and touch screens allowing them to continually practice and improve the skills they learn.

As a school, we have chosen the Purple Mash Computing Scheme of Work from Reception to Year 6. The scheme of work supports our teachers in delivering engaging, challenging, and relevant lessons which help to raise standards and allow all pupils to achieve to their full potential. We are confident that the scheme of work more than adequately meets the National Curriculum for Computing. It provides immense flexibility, and strong crosscurricular links.

In addition to the knowledge and skills being taught, we believe that technology can; provide enhanced collaborative learning opportunities; better engagement of pupils; easier access to rich content; support understanding of new concepts and can support the needs of all our pupils. Computing offers a unique opportunity to develop resilience and determination not just in learning to find the ‘bug’ in their programs but also to create their own uniqueprograms. This drive to improve their work and succeed is a valuable life skill.

We work in partnership with Lancaster university computing science department to offer enrichments, such as micro bit workshops and coding clubs.
A key part of computing is e-safety. Each year group will have a block of esafety learning that teaches them how to be respectful of all when online. This will equip them with the skills, knowledge and understanding to make the right choices when they are interacting with others in the virtual world.
Through interesting, relevant and inclusive lessons, pupils from St Bernadette’s will be able to leave Year 6 with a good understanding of how computers and the Internet work, along with being able to complete tasks creatively, independently and reflectively for a range of purposes and audiences.