Computing

Computing at Our Lady of the Rosary

At Our Lady of the Rosary, our Computing curriculum equips pupils to use technology confidently, creatively, and responsibly. We want children to understand how digital systems work, to use them safely and effectively, and to develop the computational thinking skills needed to solve problems and express ideas through technology.

Through engaging, practical lessons, pupils become creators as well as users of technology, developing curiosity, independence, and confidence in an ever-changing digital world.

Our Approach to Teaching Computing

Computing is taught through three key strands:

• Computer Science, where pupils learn how digital systems work and how to design, write, and debug programs
• Information Technology, where they use technology to create, organise, store, and present information for different purposes
• Digital Literacy, where they learn how to use technology safely, respectfully, and responsibly

Online safety is taught at the start of every term and revisited regularly so that children understand how to protect themselves and others online.

Lessons are practical and engaging, often leading to a finished digital product such as an animation, a podcast, a piece of music, or a digital presentation. Retrieval tasks are used to strengthen understanding of key vocabulary and concepts, and to ensure children retain what they have learned over time. Each topic follows a clear progression from research and exploration, through skill development, to creating a purposeful outcome.

Developing Computing Skills

Pupils develop the ability to use a range of digital tools and software confidently, from coding programs such as Scratch and Beebots to creative platforms such as Chrome Music Lab, YuStudio, and Canva. They learn how to plan, test, and debug algorithms, edit and present media, and evaluate digital content with increasing independence.

As pupils move through the school, they gain a growing understanding of how technology connects people and systems globally, learning to use the internet safely for research, communication, and collaboration.

Enrichment and Wider Opportunities

Computing at Our Lady of the Rosary is enriched through cross-curricular links and opportunities to apply digital skills in real contexts. Pupils use technology to support learning across subjects - from using data loggers in Science to creating multimedia presentations in English and RE.

Children’s work is celebrated through class floor books and digital portfolios, which showcase progress, creativity, and the range of skills developed across the school. Visitors, themed days, and partnerships with local secondary schools and organisations provide additional opportunities for pupils to explore how computing shapes the world beyond the classroom.

Continuing the Journey

Our curriculum enables pupils to develop a strong foundation in computational thinking and digital literacy. As they move through the school, they become increasingly confident, creative, and safe users of technology. This cumulative approach prepares pupils for the next stage of their education and for life in a digital world, where they can use technology thoughtfully, effectively, and responsibly