It is the glory of God to conceal things, but the glory of kings is to search things out
                                                                                                                                                 Proverbs 25:2

Vision

At St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, we recognise that a high-quality computing education is vital in preparing children for the modern world, while rooted in our Gospel values. Our vision is to nurture digitally literate, curious and creative learners who can safely and confidently navigate the ever-evolving digital landscape. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where every child—regardless of background or need—is supported to thrive and achieve their full potential through the power of computing.

We aspire for our pupils to become responsible digital citizens who use technology wisely, ethically, and for the good of others, guided by the teachings of Christ.

Intent 

Our computing curriculum is designed with the following aims:

• To ensure pupils develop a secure understanding of the three strands of computing: computer science, information technology, and digital literacy.
• To empower pupils to be creators, not just consumers of technology—able to design, code, and critically evaluate digital content.
• To embed key concepts progressively, so that knowledge and skills build from EYFS to Year 6 in a carefully sequenced, accessible way.
• To teach all children, including those with EAL and SEND, through adaptive teaching strategies, visual supports, practical tasks and scaffolded resources that meet diverse learning needs.
• To develop children’s awareness of their responsibilities as online citizens, understanding how to stay safe and respectful in a digital world.

We follow the Teach Computing Curriculum, a national scheme structured around four key strands:

• Computing systems and networks
• Creating media
• Programming
• Data and information

Substantive Knowledge

Substantive knowledge in computing refers to the core facts, concepts, vocabulary, and skills pupils need to understand how digital systems work and how they are used. At St Joseph’s, pupils will:

• Learn key technical concepts such as algorithms, data, variables, networks, and digital systems.
• Build knowledge of how computers process, store, and communicate information.
• Understand the function and purpose of different software, hardware, and online platforms.
• Develop digital literacy through creating, editing, and evaluating digital media for a range of audiences and purposes.
• Know how to keep personal information secure, recognise risks online, and act responsibly in digital spaces.

Disciplinary Knowledge

Disciplinary knowledge in computing involves thinking and working like a computer scientist. Pupils will:

• Apply computational thinking skills such as decomposition, pattern recognition, abstraction, and algorithmic design.
• Debug and test code to solve problems, reflecting on how systems operate and how improvements can be made.
• Develop logical reasoning to predict the behaviour of programs and systems.
• Critically evaluate digital content and sources for accuracy, reliability, and bias.
• Make connections between computing and other subjects—understanding how digital systems underpin real-world processes.

Implementation 

Computing is taught weekly across all key stages using the Teach Computing Curriculum. Lessons are:

• Carefully sequenced to revisit and build upon prior substantive knowledge, ensuring that key concepts are revisited and deepened over time.
• Designed to promote disciplinary knowledge through enquiry, problem-solving, and experimentation.
• Delivered through hands-on, engaging, and age-appropriate activities.
• Differentiated to support all learners with visual modelling, multi-sensory approaches, and pre-teaching vocabulary for EAL and SEND pupils.
• Interwoven with other subjects where meaningful links can enhance learning (e.g., using data handling in science or multimedia in RE).
• Supported by Project Evolve and Education for a Connected World to ensure a robust and proactive approach to online safety throughout the year.

Teachers receive regular CPD to ensure confident and up-to-date delivery of computing. Assessment is both formative and summative, focusing on how well pupils understand key concepts, apply computational skills, and transfer their knowledge to new contexts.

Impact 

Through our computing curriculum, children at St Joseph’s will:

• Build a strong body of substantive knowledge—understanding how computers and networks work, how data is represented and manipulated, and how software tools can be used to create purposeful outcomes.
• Apply disciplinary knowledge to design, write, and debug programs; solve problems creatively; and reason about digital systems and their impact on society.
• Become confident and independent users of a wide range of digital tools.
• Use technology responsibly and respectfully, with a strong understanding of online safety and digital well-being.
• Be prepared for the digital demands of secondary school and the wider world.

Pupils with EAL and SEND will leave with the same core computing knowledge and digital skills as their peers, supported by personalised, inclusive teaching.

At St Joseph’s, computing is more than a subject—it is a vital life skill that supports our mission to develop thoughtful, capable, and compassionate young people, ready to serve and succeed in a digital world.

 

Early Years

In our Reception class, computing is embedded through the Understanding the World and Expressive Arts and Design areas of learning. Our youngest children:

• Explore technology through hands-on resources such as Bee-Bots, interactive whiteboards, and age-appropriate apps.
• Develop basic mouse, touchpad, and keyboard skills.
• Use technology to enhance storytelling, creative expression, and problem-solving.
• Learn early online safety principles in a simple, story-based context to begin building digital awareness.

The EYFS provision lays the foundation for computational thinking by encouraging pattern-spotting, sequencing, and logical reasoning through play and exploration.