At St Mary's we know that our children are part of an ever evolving digital world, in which we need to ensure that they have the skills to use and apply technology. Computing is the study of how computers and computer systems work and how they are constructed and programmed. Its primary aspects of theory, systems and applications are drawn from the disciplines of Technology, Design, Engineering, Mathematics, Physical Sciences and Social Sciences.

Through the Computing Curriculum at St Mary's our aim is to develop children’s ability to:

• Understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation.
• Analyse problems in computational terms, and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems.
• Evaluate and apply information technology, including new or unfamiliar technologies, analytically to solve problems.
• Be responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology.

The approach is built around 3 key areas:

• Computer Science
• Information Technology
• Digital Literacy

Computing is taught weekly as a discreet subject and is weaved throughout all subjects from Reception to Year 6 with an emphasis on children learning how to choose the technology that will enhance their learning.  The fundamental aim of the curriculum is to ensure that pupils become digitally literate-able to use, and express themselves and develop their ideas through, information and communication technology at a level suitable for the future workplace and as active participants in a digital world. In each year group knowledge and skills for each of the 3 areas are broken down. The Children have opportunities within other subject disciplines to independently use and apply the taught skills.

For us, e-safety is a fundamental part of our curriculum, as we equip our children to keep themselves safe and understand their role in using technology effectively. To find out more about this aspect click here.