Curriculum Intent
At St. Gregory’s, we want our children to be masters of technology, not slaves to it. Technology is a central part of life, learning and the wider world. Our curriculum ensures pupils learn to use technology positively, responsibly and safely, developing the skills they need to become confident and capable digital citizens.
Through Computing, we aim for pupils to:
- Become responsible, respectful and safe users of technology and the internet.
- Develop confidence across computer science, information technology and digital literacy.
- Apply logical thinking, problem-solving and creativity when writing and debugging programs.
- Use digital tools to create, organise, manipulate and present information effectively.
- Understand the importance of online safety and know how to minimise risks.
- Develop digital resilience and the ability to make informed choices about technology.
Our curriculum supports the development of the Trust virtues such as responsibility, resilience, honesty and confidence.
Curriculum Implementation
EYFS
EYFS is not part of the Teach Computing curriculum, however computing and technology are embedded meaningfully throughout the Early Years environment.
In EYFS, technology helps children to:
- Develop an early understanding of how things work (cause and effect).
- Build problem-solving skills, curiosity and resilience.
- Use age‑appropriate technology such as interactive screens, iPads and simple programmable toys.
- Begin to understand digital literacy and basic e‑safety through stories, discussions and guided use of devices.
This early exposure ensures children enter Year 1 with a strong foundation in digital skills and awareness.
Teach Computing (Years 1–6)
From Year 1–6, Computing is taught through discrete weekly lessons using the Teach Computing scheme. This ensures:
- Clear progression of skills
- Age‑appropriate challenge
- Full National Curriculum coverage
- Consistent vocabulary and pedagogy
Units include:
- Programming & algorithms
- Computing systems and networks
- Creating media
- Data and information
- Online safety and digital behaviour
Three Strands of Computing
Our curriculum is structured around:
- Computer Science
- Programming, algorithms and debugging
- How computers and networks work
- Logical reasoning and problem‑solving
- Information Technology
- Creating content (documents, images, audio, video)
- Data handling and digital tools
- Using technology purposefully across the curriculum
- Digital Literacy
- Online safety
- Responsible use of technology
- Understanding digital footprints
Devices and Practical Learning
Children use:
- iPads
- Chromebooks
- Interactive whiteboards
Practical learning includes:
- Writing and debugging programs
- Creating digital media
- Using apps and software to present information
- Online research and digital collaboration
- Data collection and graphing
Teachers use technology across the curriculum to enhance learning while maintaining full coverage of Teach Computing units.
Online Safety
Online Safety is taught:
- Through Teach Computing
- In PSHE lessons and assemblies
- During Safer Internet Day
- Through ongoing discussions about respectful, safe online behaviour
Children learn how to protect themselves and others, recognise risks and know how to respond.
Curriculum Impact
By the end of Key Stage 2, pupils at St. Gregory’s:
- Use technology confidently for a range of tasks across devices.
- Are digitally literate and able to create, retrieve, organise and present information independently.
- Apply computational thinking to write, debug and improve simple programs.
- Use correct computing vocabulary to discuss their work.
- Understand how to stay safe online and can articulate strategies for dealing with risks.
- Demonstrate creativity, resilience and independence when working with technology.
- Leave primary school well-prepared for the digital demands of Key Stage 3 and the wider world.
Impact is monitored through:
- Pupil voice
- Digital work samples and stored projects
- Learning walks
- Assessment within Teach Computing units
Computing at St. Gregory’s equips pupils with the confidence, knowledge and skills needed to thrive in an increasingly digital world.