Computing and Online Safety

As St Nic’s Computer Scientists we think logically, solve problems and create digitally

At St Nicholas C of E Primary School, we believe that computing prepares children to be active, responsible and successful participants in an increasingly digital world. We equip children with the knowledge, skills and creativity needed to understand technology, solve problems and express themselves confidently using digital tools.

Our Computing Curriculum

Our carefully sequenced curriculum develops children's understanding of computer science, information technology and digital literacy. Through practical and engaging learning experiences, children learn to think computationally, create digital content, analyse information and solve increasingly complex problems.

Using the Teach Computing curriculum, children progressively develop their knowledge and skills across six key areas:

• Computing systems and networks
• Creating media
• Data and information
• Programming
• Digital literacy
• Online safety

As children progress through the school, they learn how digital devices and networks work, create and edit digital content, analyse and present data, and design, write and debug computer programs. They develop resilience, logical thinking and creativity whilst gaining the confidence to use technology purposefully and effectively.

What Computing Looks Like at St Nic's

Our computing curriculum provides opportunities for children to:

• Understand how computers and networks work.
• Create digital content including artwork, music, photography, animation, audio, video and webpages.
• Collect, organise and interpret data.
• Design, write and debug programs.
• Develop logical reasoning and problem-solving skills.
• Communicate and collaborate using technology.
• Evaluate digital content and information.
• Use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly.

Through these experiences, children become confident users, creators and innovators of technology.

Online Safety

Keeping children safe online is a fundamental part of our curriculum. Using the Project Evolve scheme, online safety is taught progressively from Reception to Year 6 and is embedded throughout school life. Children learn about self-image and identity, online relationships, online reputation, online bullying, privacy and security, copyright, managing online information, and maintaining a healthy balance when using technology.

We want our children to understand both the opportunities and risks associated with the digital world, enabling them to become respectful, responsible and confident digital citizens who know how to keep themselves and others safe online.

Computing in EYFS

Reception computing is delivered through our bespoke Discovery curriculum and through in-the-moment learning opportunities within our provision and wider environment. It supports and develops the EYFS Understanding the World educational programme. Children begin to explore technology through play, communication, creativity and problem-solving, learning how digital devices can support learning and everyday life. They also begin to develop the foundations of online safety, digital literacy and computational thinking that are built upon throughout Key Stages 1 and 2.

Enriching Computing

Technology is woven throughout school life at St Nic's. Children have opportunities to apply their computing skills across the curriculum, using technology to research, create, communicate and present their learning. Through real-world and purposeful experiences, they develop the confidence and adaptability needed to thrive in an ever-changing digital world.

As St Nic's Computer Scientists:

We think logically.
We solve problems.
We create digitally.

These principles underpin our computing curriculum and can be seen in every lesson as children develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to become responsible, creative and capable digital citizens.

Through computing, we support our vision to Aim High, Be Courageous and Show Love, preparing children for the opportunities, responsibilities and challenges of the digital future.

The National Curriculum for Computing aims to ensure that all pupils:

• Can understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation.
• Can analyse problems in computational terms, and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems.
• Can evaluate and apply information technology, including new or unfamiliar technologies, analytically to solve problems.
• Are responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology.