St. Thomas Aquinas

Intent

At St Thomas Aquinas Catholic Primary School we believe that Information and Communications Technology and Computer Science prepares pupils to participate in a rapidly changing world in which work and other activities are increasingly transformed by access to varied and developing technology.

We recognise that Computer Studies are an important tool in both the society we live in and in the process of teaching and learning. Pupils use computing tools to find, explore, analyse, exchange and present information responsibly, creatively and with discrimination. 

Our vision is for all teachers and learners in our school to become confident, enthusiastic users of digital devices so that they can develop the skills, knowledge and understanding which enable them to use appropriate computing resources effectively as powerful tools in their schooling life and beyond.

Our staff here at St. Thomas Aquinas, are very willing to use new hardware and software and in order to increase our skills and knowledge further, we have received support sessions provided to our pupils and staff from our MAC High school, St John Fisher and external agencies such as AmazingICT and DigitalSchoolhouse. 

We also encourage our children to be responsible, independent learners and celebrate any successes or independent work which they have completed either at school or at home. To ensure that our children stay safe online, we also have regular e-safety lessons within school and have our own e-Safety group who have planned activities and assemblies to help educate our school community.

Check out our E-Safety pages here.

 Implementation 

This academic year, we have started to fully utilise our Purple Mash subscription within all units of our Computing provision. Purple Mash is an inspiring tool for children filled with educational and creative resources which will help children achieve, if not exceed, the Computing national curriculum. 

Impact

By the end of our children's time with us, they will be independent, enthused users of a wide range of computer-based resources. They will be able to talk about their learning using a range of accurate vocabulary. Our pupils will have had opportunities to use their computing knowledge in cross-curricular activities.