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The Computing Curriculum is an integral feature of learning at St. Gregory’s. Pupils learn a variety of key skills and develop responsibility and curiosity in using a range of software programs as they progress through the school. They are taught about editing following reflective practice, animation and programming in addition to many other forward-thinking life skills for a digital world. Pupils throughout school also learn about internet safety and responsible use of ICT, at an age-appropriate level.
Computing has deep links with mathematics, science, and design and technology, and provides insights into both natural and artificial systems. At St. Gregory’s Primary School, the core of computing is Computing Science in which pupils are introduced to a wide range of technology and resilience-building problem solving.
At St. Gregory's we believe that Computing and the use of ICT is central to the education of all children. We aim to give each pupil the opportunity to apply and develop their technological understanding and skills across a wide range of situations and tasks.
Pupils are encouraged to develop a confident and safe approach to Computing and the use of ICT, with the understanding of the capabilities and flexibility of their resources.
Drone Coding
With the knowledge that Computing and ICT will undoubtedly continue to form a major part in the children’s life at home, in further education and places of work, we ensure the Computing and ICT experiences and abilities that the children are equipped with at our school, are effective and transferrable life skills.
Children at St. Gregory's have access to a dedicated I.C.T. suite and portable devices such as Laptops and iPads.
Teachers are enthusiastic and committed to the use of Computing and ICT both as a tool to enhance learning in all subjects, and as a subject in its own right. They are always on the look-out for new and innovative ICT applications which would benefit the pupils, and this ensures that technology maintains a high profile at our school, and provides exciting and enjoyable learning opportunities for our pupils.
Coding
Programming has become an exciting part of the Computing curriculum and children at St. Gregory's learn how to design, program and reflect on errors to debug their own games and simulations. As well as online resources, children use a progressive collection of practical resources such as Coding Critters, Probots and Micro Bits to build resilience.
Makey Makey Circuits and coding projects
Kitronik Micro Bit KS2 Coding
Pro Bots Sequencing / Loops / Algorithms
Turing Tumble Tables - examining inputs and outputs of computer programs
For further information on online safety please follow the link here
How do we support our SEN children?
Our Computing curriculum supports children with SEND by providing:
Familiar tasks – Lessons follow similar patterns and are compatible with various learning styles
Participation – Activities involve group / paired working with valuable roles for each member
Physical Activities – Unplugged activities (computing without a computer) makes it much easier to explore the concepts involved and to ask questions. This can be really beneficial to learners with communication or learning difficulties who find abstract concepts difficult and require a multimodal approach. This helps to reduce cognitive load and can be planned context accordance with learner’s specific interests / needs
Programming physical devices (E.g. Code Critters / Probots) helps pupils learn to program by experiencing their code ‘come to life’ in multiple ways. Devices include sound, movement and light ensuring learners with visual or auditory impairment are included
Progress – Tasks are structured into smaller steps that build toward achieving the objective; which form part of progressive units of work
Flexible – Variation in planned activities as well as a number of Extension/Enrichment opportunities allowing us to cater for the individual needs of our pupils
Assessment – is broken down into progressive statements to monitor achievement
Variety – A wealth of software and online tools allow SEND pupils to demonstrate skills and progress, share ideas, improve digital literacy and increase self-confidence
Accessible - Visual resources and checklists carefully tailored for children with dyslexia, autism and ADHD.
A 'National Online Safety School'
St. Gregory’s has invested in an online safety service named National Online Safety. The award winning service gives us the facilities to ensure that children, staff, governors and parents are kept up to date with the latest in e-safety and help us deliver bespoke CPD to teaching staff and webinars. It also comes with a suite of lesson plans to help us educate the children on topical issues.
With all online safety knowledge available instantly, the NOS app empowers parents and teachers to understand and address online safeguarding risks – anytime, anywhere.
