Computing
Intent
At St Cuthbert Mayne, we aim for every child to become a confident, creative and responsible user of technology. Through our Computing curriculum, pupils develop a secure understanding of computational thinking and digital systems, enabling them to navigate and contribute positively to an increasingly technological world.
Using the Teach Computing curriculum as our foundation, learning is carefully sequenced to build knowledge and skills progressively across systems and networks, creating media, data and information, and programming. Meaningful links are made across the wider curriculum so that children can apply their learning in authentic contexts and understand the relevance of computing in everyday life.
Online Safety
Online safety is crucial to our curriculum. Whilst there are discrete lessons focusing on Online Safety, this is something that is taught across the curriculum, as well as for particular events, such as Anti-Bullying Week and Safer Internet Day each year. Through this, children are taught about the importance of keeping themselves and their personal information safe online and begin to develop an understanding of the different opportunities that can be used safely when exploring online resources. We understand that because of the digital world we live in, we must do all we can to promote the importance of safety on the Internet for all our learners.
Online Safety Policies
E-safety Information for Parents
Presentation for Parents: Parenting in a digital world
Presentation for Parents: Cyberbullying
Implementation
Our Computing curriculum is delivered through the Teach Computing scheme, which provides a clear progression of knowledge, vocabulary and skills from EYFS to Year 6. Learning is carefully sequenced to support mastery and enable pupils to revisit and build upon prior knowledge. Children are encouraged to think logically, solve problems, investigate, debug and persevere when faced with challenges, developing resilience alongside their computational thinking skills.
Online safety is a central thread that runs throughout the curriculum. It is taught explicitly at the beginning of every unit and revisited regularly throughout the year, including during Anti-Bullying Week and Safer Internet Day. Pupils learn how to stay safe online, protect their personal information, communicate respectfully and make informed choices when using digital technologies. In EYFS, computing experiences are embedded within continuous provision, allowing children to begin exploring technology through play, curiosity and investigation.
Impact
By the time pupils leave St Cuthbert Mayne, they are digitally literate, responsible and confident learners who can use technology safely, effectively and creatively. They demonstrate a secure understanding of key computing concepts and are able to apply their knowledge to solve problems, create digital content and communicate using a range of technologies. Pupils understand how to keep themselves safe online and recognise the opportunities and risks associated with the digital world. Through a progressive and engaging curriculum, children develop the resilience, curiosity and critical thinking skills needed to thrive in an ever-changing technological society.
Oracy
Computing provides rich opportunities for pupils to develop their speaking, listening and discussion skills. Children use subject-specific vocabulary to explain their thinking, justify decisions, evaluate digital products and collaborate when solving problems. Through paired programming, group projects and class discussions, pupils learn to communicate ideas clearly, ask thoughtful questions and provide constructive feedback. These opportunities help children articulate their understanding of technology with confidence while developing the communication skills needed for learning and life.
British Values
The Computing curriculum actively promotes British Values by teaching pupils how to use technology safely, responsibly and respectfully. Through online safety education, children learn about individual liberty by making informed choices online and understanding their digital rights and responsibilities. Mutual respect and tolerance are developed through discussions around online behaviour, digital communication and cyberbullying. Pupils learn the importance of following rules and laws relating to technology, including privacy, copyright and acceptable use, while democratic principles are explored through collaboration, discussion and shared decision-making in digital projects.
Catholic Ethos
Computing at St Cuthbert Mayne is rooted in our Catholic mission and commitment to developing responsible digital citizens. We teach children that technology should be used in ways that reflect Gospel values, showing dignity, respect and kindness towards others both online and offline. Pupils are encouraged to use digital tools creatively and purposefully to support learning, serve others and contribute positively to their communities. Through online safety and digital citizenship, children learn to make ethical choices, recognise their responsibilities within the digital world and understand how technology can be used to promote the common good and uphold the dignity of every person.