Welcome to the Computing area of our website!

The subject leader for computing at St James' is Mrs Bibby.

Mrs Bibby, Miss Bryan and Mrs Jacques work together to raise the profile of the importance of staying safe online.

Our Christian Vision for Computing:

     Our computing curriculum at St James’ provides children with the skills they will need to live in the 21st Century. It is a consistent approach across school and offers a platform (Purple Mash) that is accessible to all. We aim to prepare children for their future in an ever growing technology based world. Children have the freedom to explore the use of technology within their lessons and engage their imaginations. Our children will be shown ways to use technology to their advantage as well as being given the right tools to use technology safely. Children can share their learning with their families at home and enhance their skills by logging in to Purple Mash away from school. Online safety is taken very seriously and is taught every year, catering to the age of the children, giving real life examples that will help children to stay safe online away from school. 

Every child is encouraged to adopt new skills and further their knowledge in the subject. Our computing curriculum at St James’ is inclusive and embracing for all children, allowing them to prosper.

 

Subject Overview

Computing: A Vision for Digital Literacy

In an increasingly digital world, we empower our pupils at St. James' to be creators, not just consumers, of technology. Our curriculum intent is to develop confident, responsible, and creative computer scientists who use technology as a tool for good, grounded in our school’s Christian values.

Purpose of Computing

Computing is a vital part of the modern world, and our goal is to build cultural capital by equipping pupils with the computational thinking and digital literacy skills required for the future. Through a coherent sequence of learning, pupils learn how digital systems work, how to design programs, and how to use technology to solve problems and express their ideas with integrity.

What Pupils Will Learn

Following the Purple Mash scheme of work, pupils build a broad range of knowledge:

• Computer Science: Learning the principles of computation, algorithms, and "debugging" programs.

• Information Technology: Creating digital content, from blogging to complex animation.

• Digital Literacy: Mastering the ability to use technology safely and respectfully.

End Goals: Preparing for the Digital World

By the time pupils leave St. James', they will be:

• Digitally Literate: Competent in using varied software to express themselves creatively.

• Logical Problem-Solvers: Able to use abstraction and logic to solve complex tasks.

• Safe Digital Citizens: Equipped with the discernment to navigate the online world with caution.

Internet Safety: Our Priority

We believe that being "wise" online is a moral imperative. To ensure safety has a high profile, every class follows the 2besafe internet safety lessons on Purple Mash. These are taught in addition to weekly computing lessons, ensuring inclusive participation in safety education so that every child knows how to identify risks and seek help.

Whole Child Development

Computing fosters resilience and independence. When code doesn't work, pupils learn to "debug," turning frustration into a growth mindset. Collaborative coding projects promote teamwork, while creative digital art builds confidence and self-esteem.

 

Where does Computing begin at St. James'?

Reception follows the EYFS framework, which is structured very differently to the national curriculum. It is organised across seven areas of learning rather than subject areas. The most relevant areas of learning linked to Computing are: Personal, Social and Emotional Development, Physical Development, Mathematics, Understanding the World, and Expressive Arts and Design.

In EYFS, Computing is taught through exploration and play, where children are encouraged to explore how things work. Pupils begin to develop the logical foundations of programming by noticing and correcting errors in patterns and describing sequences of events using words such as "first" and "then". A focus on physical development supports children in refining the small motor skills required to use a range of technology tools competently, safely, and confidently.

Through these meaningful experiences, children develop the resilience and perseverance needed to troubleshoot and solve technical challenges. They begin to understand the concept of inputs and outputs by manipulating shapes and exploring how various materials and digital tools function. Importantly, children are taught the foundations of digital wellbeing and e-safety by discussing sensible amounts of "screen time" and learning to follow and explain the rules that keep them safe in a digital world. In the Summer term, children in Reception will begin to move toward formal computing by learning to log in to Purple Mash and typing their own names, ensuring they are transition-ready for Year 1. Computing in EYFS lays the essential foundations for children to become independent, confident, and responsible users of technology.