Intent

At Our Lady of Fatima, we prepare our children to live confidently, safely, and wisely in an ever-evolving digital world. Grounded in our Catholic ethos and inclusive mission, we offer a computing curriculum that empowers pupils to become informed, responsible, and capable users of technology.

We recognise that technology plays a vital role in everyday life, and we aim to ensure our pupils:

• Are inspired to use technology creatively and purposefully in all areas of their learning;

• Gain the knowledge and digital skills necessary to thrive in a global, digital society;

• Understand how to use technology safely and respectfully, following online safety principles in all contexts;

• Grow into critical thinkers who can apply computational skills and knowledge beyond the classroom;

• Use their God-given talents to contribute positively to the digital world, acting responsibly and ethically.

Through a broad, ambitious and progressive curriculum, we nurture every child's ability to explore, solve problems, collaborate, and express themselves using technology.

Implementation

Our computing curriculum is carefully sequenced to develop knowledge and skills across three key strands: Computer Science, Information Technology, and Digital Literacy, including Online Safety. Using the Purple Mash platform, we ensure that learning is practical, engaging and accessible for all.

Key features of our implementation include:

• Computing is taught weekly with clear progression in knowledge and skills year on year;

• Pupils explore computer science by learning how to code, debug and design algorithms using age-appropriate programming tools;

• Children become confident in information technology, using a range of applications for digital content creation, data handling and multimedia;

• Digital literacy is woven into lessons and school life, enabling pupils to use devices with purpose, safety and awareness;

• Online safety is taught explicitly throughout the year and embedded across the curriculum, helping pupils understand how to navigate digital spaces safely;

• The SMART rules are used consistently to promote good choices and guide online behaviour;

• Regular online-safety workshops and whole-school assemblies reinforce positive digital citizenship;

• Teachers receive ongoing support and training to deliver high-quality computing lessons that meet the needs of all learners.

Cross-curricular opportunities allow computing to support wider learning, and children are encouraged to apply their digital skills in creative and meaningful ways.

Impact

At Our Lady of Fatima, pupils leave us as digitally literate, confident, and responsible users of technology. They demonstrate:

• A secure understanding of how to use digital tools effectively and appropriately;

• The ability to problem-solve and think logically through programming and computational tasks;

• Confidence in using a range of devices and applications to express ideas and present learning;

• An awareness of how to stay safe online, and how to act with integrity and respect in digital environments;

• A readiness to continue their digital learning journey in secondary school and beyond.

Above all, our children understand that technology, when used wisely, is a powerful tool for connection, creativity, and learning. They are prepared not just for a digital future-but to live, love and learn within it, guided by faith, safety and responsibility.