Our Computing Vision.

The use of information and communication technology is an integral part of the national curriculum and is a key skill for future life. This prepares pupils to participate in a rapidly changing world in which work and other activities are increasingly transformed by access to varied and developing technology.Computers, tablets, programmable robots, digital and video cameras are just some of the tools that can be used to acquire, organise, store, manipulate, interpret, communicate and present information. At St Mary’s, we recognise that pupils are entitled to quality hardware and software and a structured and progressive approach to the learning of key computing skills.

Computing Curriculum Intent.

The school’s aims are to:

• Provide a relevant, challenging and enjoyable curriculum for ICT and computing for all pupils.
• Meet the requirements of the national curriculum programmes of study for ICT and computing.
• Use ICT and computing as a tool to enhance learning throughout the curriculum.
• To respond to new developments in technology.
• To equip pupils with the confidence and capability to use ICT and computing throughout their later life.
• To enhance learning in other areas of the curriculum using ICT and computing.
• To develop the understanding of how to use ICT and computing safely and responsibly.

The national curriculum for computing aims to ensure that all pupils:

• can understand and apply the fundamental principles of computer science, including logic, algorithms, data representation, and communication.
• can analyse problems in computational terms and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems.
• Can evaluate and apply information technology, including new or unfamiliar technologies, analytically to solve problems.
• Are responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology.

National Centre for Computing Education.

St. Mary's uses the National Centre for Computing Education (NCCE) curriculum resources to achieve our intention. The NCCE is funded by the Department for Education and helps to invests in improving the access and quality of Computing education for children from Year 1 to GCSE level. The NCCE offers high-quality research based lessons based on core research-driven elements of Computing education, seen at the side.

Enrichment.

Our hugely popular Code Club is entering is fourth year of successful operation and boasts a high number of successful graduates. The club aims to build on NCCE lessons in the classroom by unlocking creativity and inspiring the next generation of Computer Scientists. The club meet weekly and complete projects to deepen understanding. The club has done everything from data logging, music making, radio programming and even launching rockets!

Key Documents

• NCCE Curriculum Journey.
• Computing Policy.
• Microbit Information.

Glossary of Terms.

• BBC Microbit - A small programmable computer used to teach children physical computing and coding.
• NCCE - The National Centre for Computing Education. 

Latest News.

• Code Club restarts week beginning 16th September. We will meet every Thursday 3.15 - 4.15pm.
• St. Mary's is about to embark on its journey to become I Belong certified: a programme dedicated to bringing more girls into Computer Science. Find out more at: https://teachcomputing.org/i-belong