Statement
Computing at St Matthew’s can be seen woven throughout all curriculum areas. We use technology purposefully to enhance our teaching and learning at every opportunity. We use iPad publishing apps to design and create information brochures such as on The Great Fire of London in Year 2 or desktop publishing software in KS2 for work on the Egyptians. We use some database software to store and collate the information we find on rivers in Geography. We practice our times tables by taking part in online TT Rockstar tournaments or develop our spelling strategies through spelling shed competitions. We even use data loggers to help us conduct experiments in Science and iPad imaging applications to edit and improve digital media.
As Computer Scientists, the children are encouraged to think about and approach all sorts of problems creatively, breaking them down and working collaboratively to find solutions.
On this page, you will find relevant information about the Computing Curriculum at St Matthew’s.
Download: Computing – Curriculum Vision 2022-2023 [PDF]
Download: Computing – Curriculum Overview 2022-2023 [PDF]
Download: Computing – EYFS Milestones 2022-2023 [PDF]
Download: Computing – Year 1 Milestones 2022-2023 [PDF]
Download: Computing – Year 2 Milestones 2022-2023 [PDF]
Download: Computing – Year 3 Milestones 2022-2023 [PDF]
Download: Computing – Year 4 Milestones 2022-2023 [PDF]
Download: Computing – Year 5 Milestones 2022-2023 [PDF]
Download: Computing – Year 6 Milestones 2022-2023 [PDF]
Download: Computing ICT Policy 2023 [PDF]
Intent
At St Matthew’s, we recognise that the world our children grow up in is a digital world. As such, we aim to equip pupils with the knowledge and skills to leave primary school as confident, capable and creative users of technology.
We encourage our pupils and staff to embrace technology rather than to hide away from it whilst always remembering that there are choices to be made when doing so. As a school, we utilise a range of technology, including social media, to model correct use and engage in conversations about the technological world they live in. Central to this is our desire to ensure that they will have a secure understanding of how to use technology positively, responsibly and safely by the time they leave our school.
We want our pupils to be creators of technology and media and our broad curriculum encompassing computer science, information technology and digital literacy reflects this. It provides opportunities for pupils to apply their knowledge and skills across the curriculum which will in turn help them to become independent creators.
Implementation
Computing at St Matthew’s is split in to three main strands: Computer Science, Information Technology and Digital Literacy. Computer Science underlines the knowledge and skills relating to programming, coding, algorithms and computational thinking. Information Technology focuses on the knowledge and skills relating to communication, multimedia, data representation and data handling. Digital Literacy involves the knowledge and skills relating to online safety and the use of technology all of which are covered either discretely or in conjunction with other areas of teaching.
Each year group follows a bespoke scheme of work which delivers objectives and skills in line with the National Curriculum whilst ensuring consistency and progression across the school. Staff are encouraged to find opportunities for cross curricular work wherever possible so that children have the chance to apply their learning in creative and purposeful ways.
Our children begin their learning in Early Years with access to iPads and BeeBots as well as making use of the interactive whiteboard with supervision to understand a range of technological inputs and outputs. Teachers facilitate their curiosity and model how to use the equipment carefully and safely.
In KS1, children use BeeBots in more complex and precise ways as well as discussing how to debug them when something goes wrong. This learning continues as they code on iPads using various software and apps. The children will also be introduced to and guided through functions of technology such as typing, data handling, image and photo manipulation and emailing.
As children progress through KS2, their coding skills become more complex and they are able to create basic games with code. Their information technology skills are furthered and they use them more independently throughout the curriculum to produce work using different mediums and software. The children also deepen their understanding of online safety and begin to understand that they are more responsible for their online presence and how often they access a variety of forms of media.
Impact
Children leave St Matthew’s equipped with the knowledge and skills to use technology confidently and, most importantly, safely. They know that that the use of technology is something to be embraced as an essential part of the world they grow up in but also something to be used responsibly as digital citizens.
Evidence of the pupils’ learning can be seen throughout the school whether that be on class displays, online portfolios such as SeeSaw, Purple Mash, or ClassDojo or best of all, by speaking to the children about their experiences and learning.
Useful Resources
These websites are great for practising your typing skills and speed:
External Link: Room Recess
External Link: BBC Bitesize
External Link: Kids Type