Computing
A high-quality computing education changes with the modern world, building on children’s experiences and equipping pupils to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world. Computing starts in the Early Years, using an 'unplugged' approach to teach computational thinking. We strive to ensure that our pupils become digitally literate – able to use, express themselves and develop their ideas through information and communication technology – at a level suitable for the future workplace and as active participants in a digital world.
At the core 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 programmes, systems and a range of content within their Computing lessons and across the wider school curriculum.
Our Computing experiences are not restricted to desktops, laptops and interactive whiteboards but also tablets, digital cameras, voice recorders, Chromebooks, and much more! We are fortunate to be very well-equipped.
As the digital world is constantly changing, staff professional development is key. At St. Stephen’s, we use a specialist secondary teacher to develop the skills and enrich the experiences of both staff and pupils.
Online safety is embedded through all the units taught, as well as being taught explicitly both in Computing lessons and PSHE. We want technology to enrich our pupil’s lives and so teach them how to participate in this exciting world safely.
As with all subjects, we aim high! Our children learn HTML coding, broadcast radio plays, create talking books, develop apps and games to support other curriculum areas and learn how and when to use different aspects of technology. By the end of Year 6, children can successfully apply skills across the curriculum and have the skills that they really need to understand and change the world.
For more information and advice on helping young people to stay safe online, please visit
https://saferinternet.org.uk/guide-and-resource/parents-and-carers