Computing
Computing at St Ambrose: Inspiring Lifelong use of IT and safe online usage
At St Ambrose, computing gives our pupils the confidence to use technology responsibly, creatively and with purpose. Through engaging and practical learning, children gain the skills to understand how digital systems work, use technology to support their learning, and stay safe online by making wise and informed choices in an ever-changing digital world.
Intent, Implementation and Impact
At St Ambrose, our aim is for all children to become confident, responsible, and creative users of technology. We want pupils to understand how technology shapes the world around them and to develop the skills to use digital tools purposefully both at home and in school. Our curriculum ensures children gain secure and comprehensive knowledge of how digital systems work, alongside an appreciation of the implications and responsibilities that come with living in a rapidly developing technological society. Online safety is at the heart of our intent: children will learn to navigate the digital world safely, respectfully, and responsibly, reflecting our school values and British Values—showing respect, tolerance, fairness, and responsibility in all their online interactions.
Computing is taught through a clear, progressive scheme of learning that draws on the National Curriculum, Kapow Primary, and our Emmaus Curriculum, ensuring full coverage of digital literacy, information technology, and computer science. Lessons are carefully sequenced to build on prior knowledge, ensuring progression in coding, digital creativity, online safety, and understanding how digital systems function.
Children have access to a wide range of hardware and software, including computers, tablets, and programmable devices, enabling rich, hands-on computing experiences. Pupils are taught to engage with key digital issues such as communication, cyberbullying, privacy, plagiarism, and the responsible use of social media. Online safety is not a one-off lesson but a continuous thread throughout the year, reinforced through classroom teaching, assemblies, pupil workshops, and dedicated events such as Safer Internet Day.
Opportunities for safe and meaningful use of technology are woven into wider curriculum planning, supporting learning across subjects. When online-safety concerns arise, parents are informed and supported to help keep their children safe at home. Alongside the discrete computing curriculum, pupils regularly revisit and deepen their understanding of how to stay safe, respectful, and responsible online, preparing them for the challenges of an ever-changing digital world.
Through our carefully structured computing curriculum, children at St Ambrose develop into confident, creative, and responsible users of technology. They leave school equipped with the practical skills and deep understanding needed to navigate an increasingly digital world, applying their knowledge purposefully both in learning and everyday life. Pupils demonstrate respect, tolerance, and responsibility in all online interactions, reflecting our school and British Values. They are able to use a wide range of digital tools effectively, understand how systems work, and make informed decisions about online safety, privacy, and ethical use of technology. As a result, our learners are prepared not only to thrive academically but also to contribute positively and safely to society in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
In Jerusalem he made machines, invented by skillful men, to be on the towers and the corners, to shoot arrows and great stones. And his fame spread far, for he was marvelously helped, till he was strong.
Chronicles 26: 15
Curriculum
Catholic Social Teaching
Computing provides rich opportunities to explore Catholic Social Teaching across the curriculum. Pupils learn about Human Dignity by understanding how their online actions affect others and why respectful digital behaviour matters. Through Community and Participation, they collaborate on coding tasks, digital projects and shared problem-solving, valuing everyone’s contribution. Solidarity is highlighted as pupils consider how technology can connect people globally and support initiatives that help those in need. Lessons on digital footprint, misinformation and media influence draw on The Common Good, encouraging pupils to use technology to make positive choices that benefit others. When exploring environmental issues through research or digital design, pupils learn about Care for Creation, using technology responsibly to protect the planet. Computing also promotes Option for the Poor by helping children understand issues of digital access and reflecting on how technology can be used to support vulnerable communities. In all of this, pupils are encouraged to think ethically about their digital presence and use their skills for good.
Catholic School Pupil Profile
Computing helps pupils become curious and wise as they explore coding, data, information systems and new technologies. They learn to be attentive and discerning, especially when evaluating online information or making choices about digital safety. Through collaborative projects, pupils practise being compassionate and loving, supporting their peers and valuing diverse ideas. When solving problems and debugging, children develop resilience, becoming faith-filled and hopeful, knowing that mistakes help them learn and improve. Computing also encourages pupils to be eloquent and truthful when presenting information clearly and using technology with integrity. Finally, they grow as intentional, active, and generous learners, using their digital skills responsibly and for the benefit of others.
What our children say about Computing
Reception: “I can use the iPads to take pictures and make them look different. I like learning how to use technology safely.”
Year 1: “We made an algorithm to get the robot to the treasure. I had to think really carefully about the steps.”
Year 2: “I learned that you should always ask a grown-up if something online makes you worried. We can help each other stay safe.”
Year 3: “We used Scratch to make a character move. It was fun trying different blocks to see what would happen!”
Year 4: “Computing helps me solve problems. Debugging can be tricky, but it feels great when it finally works.”
Year 5: “We researched how technology can help people around the world. It made me think about using the internet for good things.”
Year 6: “We created our own websites and learned how to check information online. I know how to be safe, responsible and respectful when using technology.”
Snippets of Computing lessons
Enrichment Computing
At St Ambrose, we celebrate Safer Internet Day every year as a whole-school event to reinforce the importance of online safety in our ever-changing digital world. Each year, pupils take part in engaging activities, discussions, and workshops that focus on key themes such as respectful communication, protecting personal information, and understanding the impact of technology on our lives. Assemblies highlight real-life scenarios and practical strategies for staying safe online, while classroom lessons encourage children to think critically about issues like cyberbullying, privacy, and responsible social media use. Parents are invited to join the conversation through information sessions and resources, ensuring that online safety is a shared responsibility between school and home. By celebrating this day, we empower our pupils to make informed, positive choices online and to become responsible digital citizens.
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St Ambrose |
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| Leswell Street Kidderminster DY10 1RP |
Contact Information |
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| Tel: 01562 823568 Email: enquiry_amb@emmausmac.com |
Information |
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Mrs E Brocklesby - Executive Principal & Designated Safeguarding Lead For enquiries or to request paper copies of information from this website please contact the school office – Mrs Fish or Miss Downs. David Pitt - SENCo David Gillett - Chair of Governing Body |
