Computing
Technology is an essential part of the children’s everyday life. We want them to be able to communicate confidently, safely and competently using technology in this increasingly digital world. They need to be able to recognise the part that technology plays in their lives and to choose and use it appropriately for given purposes. We are able to promote this by teaching a broad and balanced computing curriculum that is challenging and enjoyable for the children and which is linked to the wider curriculum.
There are three aspects of the computing curriculum within the National Curriculum 2014 - computer science (CS), information technology (IT) and digital literacy (DL). The core of computing is computer science, in which pupils 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, equips pupils to use information technology to create programs, systems and a range of content. Computing also ensures that pupils become digitally literate– able to use, and express themselves and develop their ideas through information and communication technology – at a level relevant to age and ability. Computing in early years is part of the area of learning ‘Understanding the world: Technology’. Children learn to operate equipment, control systems, investigate action and effect and retrieve information. Internet Safety - Internet access is planned to enrich and extend learning activities. The school has acknowledged the need to ensure that all pupils are responsible and safe users of the Internet and other communication technologies. An acceptable use policy has thus been drawn up to protect all parties and rules for responsible computer use are discussed with each child. The Acceptable Use Policy document is available centrally from the Computing Coordinator. Although the school offers a safe online environment through filtered internet access we recognise the importance of teaching our children about online safety and their responsibilities when using communication technology. This forms part the of studies in computing and also in PSHE&C.
