Computing

To keep up with the constant changes in technology over recent years, the ICT curriculum has also had to change quite dramatically. Gone are the days of teaching the children how to use a mouse!

Children are now entering school with higher level skills and the ability to manipulate technology through the use of devices such as tablets and iPads etc. In response to this, and with the children’s future in mind, this curriculum has been redeveloped with and increased focus on computing. This new curriculum will initially be delivered through the use of scheme to support our children and staff in ensuring we are fully resourced and fully confident in key learning for the children.

A high quality computing education equips the children to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world. Computing has deep links with mathematics, science, and design & technology, and provides insights into both natural and artificial systems. The core of computing is computer science, in which children are taught the principles of information and computation, how digital systems work, and how to put this knowledge to use through programming. Building on this knowledge and understanding, children are equipped to use information technology to create programs, systems and a range of content. Computing also ensures that children become digitally literate – able to use, and express themselves and develop their ideas through, information and communication technology – at a level suitable for the future workplace and as active participants in a digital world.

As part of the curriculum we have an emphasis on e-safety and staying safe online. We aim to educate the children in the basics of how they can access the world in a way that does not make them vulnerable.

Top Tips…

1)      Don’t post any personal information online – like your address, email address or mobile number.

2)      Think carefully before posting pictures or videos of yourself.  Once you’ve put  a picture of yourself online most people can see it and may be able to download it, it’s not just yours anymore.

3)      Keep your privacy settings as high as possible

4)      Never give out your passwords

5)      Don’t befriend people you don’t know

6)      Don’t meet up with people you’ve met online.  Speak to your parent or carer about people suggesting you do

7)      Remember that not everyone online is who they say they are

8)      Think carefully about what you say before you post something online

9)      Respect other people’s views, even if you don’t agree with someone else’s views doesn’t mean you need to be rude

10)   If you see something online that makes you feel uncomfortable, unsafe or worried: leave the website, turn off your computer if you want to and tell a trusted adult immediately