Computing Rationale

Intent

Computing at St. Cuthbert’s Catholic Primary School empowers pupils to become confident, creative and responsible users of technology in an ever‑changing digital world. Our curriculum is designed to nurture curiosity, problem‑solving and resilience, helping children understand how digital systems work and how they can use them to express ideas, solve problems and communicate safely. Through a rich blend of computer science, information technology and digital literacy, pupils learn to think logically, explore patterns, and develop secure knowledge of how technology shapes their lives and wider society. We aim to ensure that every child -regardless of starting point -feels included, capable and inspired, recognising computing as both a practical life skill and a powerful tool for creativity, innovation and connection.

Implementation

Computing is taught through a carefully sequenced curriculum that builds knowledge and skills progressively from Year 1 to Year 6. Pupils experience a balance of programming, digital content creation and online safety, with each topic designed to strengthen their understanding of key concepts such as algorithms, repetition, debugging, data handling and digital communication. Lessons are practical, engaging and rooted in exploration, giving children opportunities to experiment, predict, refine and evaluate their work using age‑appropriate software, devices and online platforms. Our long‑term plan ensures pupils encounter a wide range of digital tools – from Scratch and Python to word processing, presentation software, CAD modelling and spreadsheets – helping them make meaningful connections between computing and real‑world applications. Online safety is woven throughout the curriculum, supporting pupils to make informed, safe and respectful choices when using technology. Teachers model high expectations, provide clear explanations and support pupils in developing the vocabulary and confidence needed to discuss, reflect on and improve their digital work.

ASSESSMENT

An integral part of computing is using the children’s ability to develop digital content in a creative way. Programs are created on digital devices and as such are not recorded in the same way as written learning. Learning may be recorded in many ways including but not limited to: printed screenshots of creations, saved programs, Powerpoint, Word, written work, photographs and video recordings. The ‘process’ undertaken to arrive at the finished product, algorithm or program is as important as the finished product and this will be taken into account. Feedback is given verbally to children in order to support them to progress within and across lessons. Children recall their knowledge periodically throughout the year to ensure gaps in revisited knowledge are addressed immediately.

Impact

We believe our children will:

• have developed the knowledge, confidence and digital awareness needed to thrive in a technology‑rich world.
• understand how computers, networks and programs function, and will be able to apply computational thinking to solve problems with accuracy and creativity.
• demonstrate secure skills in programming, content creation and digital communication, showing independence in selecting tools, evaluating outcomes and refining their work.
• recognise the importance of staying safe online, managing their digital behaviour responsibly and understanding the impact of their choices.
• leave us as thoughtful, capable and curious digital citizens – ready to use technology positively, respectfully and imaginatively in their future learning and everyday lives.