At St Matthias, our computing curriculum equips pupils with the knowledge and skills to use technology safely, responsibly and confidently in an ever-changing digital world.
Learning is structured through the Teach Computing Curriculum, covering computer science, information technology and digital literacy. Pupils build their understanding of how digital systems work and how technology can be used effectively.
Pupils learn through a combination of practical application and problem-solving, including creating digital content, coding and debugging programs. Computational thinking underpins learning, enabling pupils to break down problems and develop logical solutions.
Online safety is embedded throughout, ensuring pupils understand how to stay safe and behave responsibly online.
Knowledge and skills are revisited and applied across contexts, supporting pupils to become confident and capable users of technology.
Through this approach, pupils develop independence, resilience and the skills needed to thrive in a digital world.
Computational Thinking
An important aspect of computing at St Matthias is developing computational thinking, which supports pupils’ problem-solving skills across many areas of learning. Pupils learn how complex problems can be broken down into smaller, manageable steps before solutions are designed.
Children explore four key approaches to computational thinking:
- Decomposition – breaking down a complex problem into smaller parts
- Pattern recognition – identifying similarities between problems
- Abstraction – focusing on the important information and ignoring unnecessary detail
- Algorithms – creating clear step-by-step instructions to solve a problem
Through these approaches, pupils learn how to think logically and develop solutions that can be followed by both people and computers.
Unplugged activities to help with computational thinking
Online Safety
Keeping children safe online is an essential part of our curriculum. Pupils learn how to use the internet responsibly, understand potential risks and know how to protect their personal information. They also learn about the importance of their digital footprint and how their online actions can affect themselves and others.
Online safety is taught through computing lessons using the Education for a Connected World framework, as well as through PSHE lessons and wider school activities. We also support parents through workshops and guidance to help them promote safe and positive technology use at home. You can find an overview of the skills taught across the school here:
Education for a Connected World framework
Parent workshops also take place to equip parents with how to best support their children too. If you want to know more about keeping our children safe online, you can read more on the NSPCC website and can see Staying Safe Online.
Read more about how to support your child in staying safe online here.