Intent

At St Columba’s, we believe computing is an essential part of a broad and balanced Catholic education. Technology is a fundamental and sometimes concerning part of modern life and therefore provides a range of learning opportunities, and we believe it is vital children are well-equipped to navigate modern technology.

Our computing curriculum aims to educate pupils to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world.  We aim to give our pupils the life-skills that will enable them to embrace and utilise new technology in a socially responsible and safe way to help them flourish in a digital world that is constantly changing.

Our curriculum design has deep links with all other subjects - we want the use of technology to support learning across the entire curriculum and to ensure that our curriculum is accessible to every child. Computing within schools can provide a wealth of transferrable skills.

At the core of our computing curriculum is computer science, in which pupils are introduced to a wide range of technology, including laptops, iPads and chromebooks, allowing them to continually practice and improve the skills they learn. Building on this knowledge and understanding, we intend for our children to use information technology to create a range of content.

Our main aim is to ensure that pupils become digitally literate – able to use and express themselves through technology. We strive to prepare them so they will be able to operate in a 21^st century workplace and understand the career options open to them through knowledge of computing. We want children to become confident, independent users of computing technologies, and to gain enjoyment from their activities.

Through the study of Computing, children will be able to develop a wide range of fundamental skills, knowledge and understanding that will equip them for the rest of their lives. They will develop creativity and resilience, alongside problem solving and critical thinking skills.