Computing

Computing

Computing 

Rationale: 

At St Joseph’s, we believe that digital literacy and computing skills are fundamental to children’s learning and should be embedded across the curriculum wherever possible. We recognise our responsibility to equip all pupils with the digital knowledge and skills they need to thrive both now and in the future.

Technology is continually evolving, and our pupils are growing up in an increasingly digital world. It is vital they develop the confidence and competence to use devices, software, and online platforms effectively and safely. Reflecting this, we now use iPads across the school to deliver flexible, interactive, and inclusive learning experiences.

We follow the Purple Mash scheme of work, a fully aligned and engaging programme that supports the teaching of computing, including computer science, coding, information technology, and digital literacy. It enables progression of skills from Early Years to Year 6 and supports creative cross-curricular links.

Intent: 

We aim to develop confident, safe, and creative users of technology. Our Computing curriculum is built around the following key principles:

• A comprehensive, progressive coding and computational thinking strand, developing from Early Years to Year 6

• A robust online safety curriculum that addresses real-world risks such as misinformation, digital identity, privacy, and cyberbullying

• Inclusive and accessible learning, with targeted adaptations and scaffolding for pupils with SEN, EAL, those in receipt of Pupil Premium and disadvantaged learners, while also offering challenge for higher ability learners

• A flexible and engaging approach to using iPads to enhance teaching and learning across all subjects

• Development of digital creativity, critical thinking, and safe, responsible participation in online spaces

In line with KCSIE 2025, online safety is embedded in both discrete lessons and the wider curriculum, ensuring that children are not only digitally capable, but also digitally aware and safe.

Teachers are supported with professional development and resources to deliver effective, differentiated lessons using Purple Mash and iPads. Our curriculum ensures all learners, regardless of background or ability, can access and succeed in Computing.

Implementation:

Computing at St Joseph’s is taught using a structured yet flexible approach:

• In Early Years, children engage with technology through play-based, hands-on activities using iPads, Bee-Bots, and interactive apps, laying the foundation for computational thinking.

• From Year 1 onwards, we follow the Purple Mash scheme, which offers a full sequence of learning that covers coding, online safety, data handling, multimedia, and digital literacy.

• Coding and computational thinking are embedded across all year groups, where children progress from creating simple algorithms to designing and debugging more complex sequences.

• iPads are used across all year groups to facilitate interactive, collaborative, and personalised learning.

• Online Safety is explicitly taught at the start of each half-term, revisited regularly, and reinforced through PSHE and cross-curricular links. Lessons reflect current, real-world risks and are adapted for age-appropriate understanding.

• Computing vocabulary is introduced and revisited regularly, supporting children in articulating their learning with confidence and clarity.

Impact:

We want our pupils to enjoy Computing, feel confident with technology, and understand its relevance to their lives today and in the future.

Pupils will:

• Develop secure digital literacy, coding, and computational thinking skills

• Use appropriate vocabulary to discuss their learning confidently

• Apply digital skills across the curriculum and in real-world contexts

• Understand how to stay safe and responsible in online environments

• Recognise the role of technology in shaping their current and future world

Evidence of learning is captured in two main ways:

• Purple Mash: All digital work is saved in pupils’ individual Purple Mash folders, allowing clear tracking of progress in coding, digital literacy, and multimedia work.

• Seesaw: Used to evidence unplugged activities, cross-curricular work, and online safety lessons, particularly those involving discussion, artwork, posters, and presentations.

Assessment is carried out at the end of each unit using Purple Mash’s built-in assessment tools, which track progress against key objectives in the National Curriculum. These help teachers plan next steps and support personalised learning pathways.

The Computing Subject Leader monitors:

• The planning, delivery, teaching, and learning of Computing to ensure consistent, high-quality provision

• Pupil work and evidence on Seesaw and Purple Mash

• Use of assessment tools and pupil attainment across the school

• Pupil and staff voice to inform curriculum development

• Ongoing training and support needs for staff

Through this robust approach, our pupils leave St Joseph’s as confident, responsible, and capable digital citizens—well-prepared for a future in which technology continues to evolve rapidly.