At St James’ Catholic Primary School, we understand the immense value that technology plays not only in supporting the Computing and whole school curriculum but overall in the day-to-day life of our school. Our aims are to fulfil the requirements of the National Curriculum for Computing whilst also providing enhanced collaborative learning opportunities, engagement in rich content and supporting pupil’s conceptual understanding of new concepts which support the needs of all our pupils.
“A high-quality computing education equips pupils to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world…core of computing is computer science, in which pupils are taught the principles of information and computation, how digital systems work, and how to put this knowledge to use through programming. Building on this knowledge and understanding, pupils are equipped to use information technology to create programs, systems and a range of content.” National Curriculum
Our Computing curriculum aims to develop the heart and mind of every child. Computing teaching at has links with mathematics, science and design and technology and our aim is to provide a broad and balanced curriculum whilst ensuring that pupils become digitally literate and digitally resilient. Technology is ever evolving and we aim to develop pupils who can use and express themselves, develop their ideas through, information and communication technology at a suitable level for the future workplace and as active participants in a digital world.
The Computing Scheme of Work is a comprehensive programme which enables us to teach a wide variety of topics and lessons both using IT and also unplugged. Each year group receives detailed planning with the tools needed for each lesson from Purple Mash. All of the lessons are tailor-made to suit the age of the children and build upon previous years’ teachings.
One of the main advantages of using Purple Mash as a whole school approach is that the all children will be aware of the different tools and programs used within this and will become more confident as they move through the school. Teachers have the opportunity to set tasks for their class using 2Dos which the children then complete and hand in for the teachers to comment on and grade.
In the Early Years, we use Mini Mash to teach Computing which encourages the children in Nursery and Reception to complete activities set by their teachers aligned towards meeting the Early Learning Goals. Mini Mash is part of Purple Mash but is aimed more towards the needs and abilities of the younger children.
Whilst EYFS do not have a specific Computing Curriculum, Mini Mash allows the children to explore different topics and areas of learning giving them a basic understanding of this subject for when they move throughout the school.
Parent Portal
Purple Mash provides us with Parent Portal where parents can sign up to gain access to see the work that their child has been set and completed, along with the teacher comment. This is a fantastic resource and we would encourage as many parents as possible to sign up to this. All you need is your parent code which can be found on your child’s login card. If you do not have this, please ask your child’s class teacher to provide this for you.
