At St Michael’s, we take pride in our computing curriculum and the rich learning experience it provides our children.  Children are taught to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world.  Our computing curriculum has deep links with mathematics, science, and design and technology, and ensures that children understand how computing links to many other areas of learning. 

The core of computing is computer science, in which pupils are taught the principles of information and computation, how digital systems work, and how to put this knowledge to good use through programming. Computing also ensures that children are able to use, communicate and develop ideas in the digital word. Children do not just learn how to use software but also learn how the software is made. Children create programs and debugging (solving problems with their programs) as well as using logical reasoning to predict the outcomes. Computing language can be complex but children learn and understand terms over the course of their time at St Michael’s. 

We recognise that information technology (IT) and the internet are excellent tools for learning, communication and collaboration. These are accessible within the school for enhancing the curriculum, to challenge pupils, and to support creativity and independence. Using IT to interact socially and share ideas can benefit everyone in the school community but it is important that the use of IT and the internet is understood and used appropriately. An important part of computing learning is how to be safe whilst using the internet so children receive eSafety lessons every half term.  Our eSafety lessons tie-in with national events such as Anti-Bullying Week (https://www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk/anti-bullying-week) and Safer Internet Day (https://www.saferinternet.org.uk/safer-internet-day/2019)  

All classes in school have access to our computing suite as well as having the use of iPads in the classroom.  We also have the use of further exciting technology provided by our partners, SoltechIT.