Purpose and Vision

In line with the National Curriculum Purpose of Study for Computing, the aim of St. Joseph’s Catholic Primary Academy is that pupils “use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world.”

We want our children to be masters, not consumers, of the ever-changing digital world in which they are growing up. They should be able to make informed decisions about their use of digital applications—both current and future—as new technologies and opportunities arise.

Curriculum Structure

We follow the Purple Mash Scheme of Work from Years 1 to 6, ensuring consistency and clear progression throughout the school.

We recognise that computing is a specialist subject and that not all teachers are computing specialists. The Purple Mash scheme supports this by providing full curriculum coverage, as well as high-quality guidance and CPD opportunities for less confident teachers, enabling them to deliver engaging, effective lessons.

e-Safety

At St. Joseph’s, we recognise the importance of our children being digitally literate, responsible and safe users of online technologies.

Within our Computing Curriculum, e-Safety is a central focus at the beginning and end of each academic year, before Christmas, and around Safer Internet Day each February. Throughout the year, children are routinely reminded about good online practices whenever appropriate across the wider curriculum.

From Reception onwards, pupils are taught to share any online concerns with a trusted adult—whether at home or at school. Children and their parents are supported appropriately when worries are raised, and such issues are used as valuable teaching opportunities within relevant year groups.

Important messages are also shared with our wider community through Seesaw, our school website, and the Facebook page. As children progress through school, they receive more in-depth guidance appropriate to their age and growing experience in the digital world.