Computing
Subject Leader – Mrs Venables
At St Mary’s and St. Benedict’s, we recognise that the National Curriculum divides the teaching and learning of Computing into three strands (Computer Science, Digital Literacy and Information Technology). The curriculum we employ supports children to complete age appropriate Computing and prepare them to be safe, active participants in a digital world.
We strive to provide “a high-quality Computing education that equips pupils to use digital thinking and creativity to understand the world.”
Computing in our school ensures that pupils become digitally literate, are able to use and express themselves and develop their ideas through technology.
How we deliver the Curriculum
At St. Mary’s and St. Benedict’s, we deliver and teach the Computing curriculum through the Purple Mash Whole School Plan. We have chosen the Purple Mash Computing Scheme as it supports our teachers in delivering fun and engaging lessons, which help to raise computing standards and allow all pupils to achieve to their full potential. We are confident that the scheme supports all children in our school to meet the national vision for Computing.
The implementation of Computing units in the Purple Mash programme will ensure a continuity and progression of skills, knowledge and understanding across the school. This is done by implementing Computing skills in meaningful ways and maximising cross-curricular links. As a stand-alone subject, Computing topics are taught at three points in the school year and planning is chosen to target gaps in learning, whilst also supporting our two-year rolling programme of Topic subjects.
Computer Suite
We have a purpose-built computer suite for teachers to deliver Computing lessons and we are also fortunate to have a bank of laptops available to KS1 and KS2. Additionally, we have a number of iPads that we can use in classes, across the curriculum.
Purple Mash
We use Purple Mash to support the teaching of the Computing curriculum throughout the school year. Each child from Year 1 to Year 6 has their own password and login to their individual account, which they can access at school or at home. As Purple Mash is online, children can continue their learning anywhere and anytime.
Purple Mash hosts an exciting mix of curriculum focused activities, creative tools, programs and games to support and inspire creative learning every day. Our children enjoy using Purple Mash tools such as; publishing, story creation, game design, concept mapping, collaborative writing and art.
Purple Mash is also cross curricular with a range of Maths, English, Science, Geography, History, Design & Technology and Art tools and resources.
Remote Learning with Purple Mash
During Remote Learning, children can use Purple Mash to support their learning at home. Computing and digital skills are continuing to be embedded across both KS1 and KS2.
Teachers can set 2dos and children complete tasks, allowing Teachers the opportunity to provide instant feedback. Furthermore, children across the school can communicate with their class teacher using 2email, allowing them to hand in their home learning to be marked.
Staying Safe Online
Safety is a key consideration for everything we do as a school, and to promote safety on the internet, our school regularly provides information for parents on how to be aware of social media and internet dangers. This includes information on apps such as TikTok and Houseparty, websites such as Instagram and Facebook and communication and streaming sites including Zoom and Netflix.
Internet Safety Day
A whole school approach to internet safety is further underpinned by Safer Internet Day, which takes place each year. Children learn how to stay safe on the internet and are taught how to recognise any dangers. We know that Computing can be a very exciting subject, yet equally we recognise that the use of these technologies can put young people at risk in and outside of the school. An Internet Access agreement has therefore been created to protect all parties, and rules for responsible internet use are displayed next to each computer and in each classroom.
For further information and support about helping your child to stay safe online, please use the link below.