Loving All Our Neighbours

Computing

Our Computing Vision

Within our school we recognise that the world we live in is changing. Through teaching computing, we equip children to participate in a rapidly-changing world where work and leisure activities are increasingly transformed by technology. We enable them to find, explore, analyse, exchange and present information. We also focus on developing the skills necessary for children to be able to use information in an effective way. Computing skills are a major factor in enabling children to be confident, creative and independent learners.

Intent

Through providing a curriculum where Computing is embedded we aim to:

• develop a capability in finding, selecting and using information
• use electronic devices for effective and appropriate communication
• apply hardware and software to creative and appropriate uses of information
• apply digital literacy skills and knowledge to learning in other areas
• use computing skills to develop children’s language and communication skills
• explore children’s attitudes towards computing and its value to them and society in general
• provide children with the skills to keep themselves safe online

Implementation

As the aims of the Computing curriculum are to equip children with the skills necessary to use technology to become independent learners, the teaching style that we adopt is as active and practical as possible. At times children are given direct instructions on how to use hardware or software in lessons but we often use digital literacy capabilities to support teaching across the curriculum. This is especially the case within maths where the use of apps such as Times Tables Rockstars is creating a great impact on learning. In addition to PSHE teaching, we also believe it is highly important to deliver at least half termly e-safety lessons (following our plan) as well as participating in Safer Internet Day annually.

The majority of the Computing curriculum is embedded within other areas of the curriculum, which enables pupils to see how the use of technology can be used in a wider context. Children are also taught coding for one half term a year as a set lesson. Additionally, pupils are given the opportunity to use a variety of resources.

Impact

The Computing curriculum across the Village Saint Partnership will make a profound, positive impact to the outcomes of all children. The children will be equipped with traits that reflect resilient learners. We know that this is true as we are delivering a high standard of education, quality assured through qualitative and quantitative measures including regular monitoring and leaning conversations.

Safety and Security

All parents and children are asked to sign the ICT user Agreement, which clearly states expectations for pupils when using the internet as a resource at school. All children have access to the internet with supervision.

The internet system is provided by Norfolk County Council and is protected from unsuitable material by an accredited filter. In addition to this filtering, the school also has its own in-house system to monitor computer usage.

We also teach a digital citizenship lesson each half term.

Digital Citizenship Curriculum

Children are growing up with the power of digital media and technology to explore, connect, create, and learn in new ways. With this power, young people have great opportunities, but they also face challenges and dilemmas. To address these issues, we are working on creating a positive culture around media and technology by incorporating digital citizenship education as part of our curriculum.

Digital citizenship is the responsible use of technology to learn, create, and participate. We use Common Sense’s Digital Citizenship Curriculum (https://www.commonsense.org/education/uk/digital-citizenship) to support us in addressing critical issues facing children in a fast-changing world of media and technology. Each digital citizenship lesson takes on real challenges and digital dilemmas that students face today, giving them the skills they need to succeed as digital learners, leaders, and citizens tomorrow. The lessons include videos, exercises and activities that empower young people with responsible real-world practices as they participate online. Common Sense’s Digital Citizenship Curriculum  is centred around 6 core topics of digital citizenship which include looking at media balance and wellbeing, privacy and security, digital footprint and identity, relationships and communication, cyberbullying, digital dram and hate speech and news and media literacy. We cover a core topic each half term.

Internet safety at Home

Please visit the page linked below for more information -