computing at simonstone st.peters
Subject leadership
Subject Leader: D. Hartley
Link Governor:
intent
At Simonstone St Peter’s it is our intention to give pupils the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to use technology safely, creatively and effectively. It aligns with the National Curriculum for Computing, covering the three strands of Computer Science, Information Technology and Digital Literacy.
We believe every child has the right to a curriculum that champions excellence and supports them in achieving their full potential. We recognise the immense value of technology in not only delivering the Computing curriculum but also in enriching the wider curriculum and the day-to-day life of our school. Technology plays a vital role in equipping pupils with the skills they need to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
We aim to teach children to become responsible, respectful and competent users of technology and to develop secure skills in using a range of high quality hardware and software. We want to equip children with the strategies they need to benefit from the online world while minimising risks to themselves and others. Through online safety education, they will learn to navigate the digital environment with confidence, scepticism and resilience.
Through the teaching of Computing, we also:
- Improve pupils' skills in English, Maths, Wellbeing, PSHE and Art, DT and Music;
- Develop shared values about the world that we live in and our rights as children and people;
- Develop pupils' thinking skills and inquisitive natures;
- Promote pupils' awareness and understanding of gender, cultural, spiritual and moral issues;
- Promote British Values as an interwoven part of the curriculum;
- Develop pupils as active citizens within their community and the globe.
implementation
At Simonstone St Peter’s School, we have chosen to follow the Purple Mash Computing Scheme. This carefully structured programme supports teachers in delivering fun, engaging, and challenging lessons that help raise standards and enable all pupils to achieve their full potential. The scheme not only meets but exceeds the expectations of the national curriculum for Computing, offering flexibility, strong cross-curricular links, and seamless integration with the 2Simple Computing Assessment Tool. It also provides high-quality supporting materials that build the confidence of all staff, including those less experienced in teaching Computing.
impact
Purple Mash is being used to teach computing consistently across school. We are using Purple Mash materials to ensure clarity of curriculum progression and provide support and guidance for non-specialist teachers. This offers a clear structure and sequence for staff to follow. The units have been planned in an order that best works with our mixed age group classes and main curriculum connectors. Purple Mash has given staff the confidence to ensure the progression is clear and they are beginning to become much more confident in teaching computing. Pupil attainment in Computing is assessed using the 2Simple Computing Assessment Tool for Years 1 to 6. This tool provides detailed exemplification for each key learning intention, enabling staff to make accurate judgements about attainment and progress. Teachers make judgements based on electronic work samples collected in pupils’ Purple Mash portfolios, which are then recorded in the 2Simple Assessment Tool.
Knowledge Maps