Computing
Computing
Teaching Online Safety
Computing is delivered across all subjects as a cross-curricular tool as well as in computing lessons. Children have access to a range of equipment including, interactive whiteboards, PCs and other word processor equipment/ keyboards, iPads and robots. We supply children with long term loans of laptops to ensure that access is not a barrier to learning. All children are also supported to learn how to keep safe online and all teaching staff complete the NSPCC Keeping Children Safe online. We use Purple Mash in school with home access.
We teach online safety using Project Evolve
We have chosen ProjectEVOLVE because we can teach in an age relevant and progressive way. The online safety messages that children are taught are age appropriate; meaningful; encourage refection and generated positive outcomes.
Project Evolve provides the opportunity for discussion; prompted by appropriate questions accompanied by information to shape thinking and challenge misconceptions.
The Project Evolve Curriculum Map is provided below. This shows what your child will be taught over each term.
Teaching Computing Skills
We use Purple Mash to teach computing skills because this ensures consistent High Quality Learning for children whether they are being taught by a non-specialist teacher.
This means that computer knowledge is valued and specified, is well sequenced, and computer knowledge is taught to be remembered.
Purple Mash motivates children to engage in independent, creative learning across the curriculum – building self-esteem as well as skills, with children having home-access to Purple Mash to extend their learning at home. Each child has a school login and password.
Purple Mash effectively scaffolds children from first experiences online towards confident use of secondary school and workplace technologies.
Mini Mash is designed for home use for children aged 3 to 5
Older children find home resources on Purple Mash
Your child will have a Purple Mash Login. Please use this to explore together at home: purple-mash-parents - 2simple.com
Intent
In the technological world in which we live, it is important that children receive a high-quality computing education. Children need to be digitally literate; able to express their ideas and manage themselves in a digital world.
In a world where technology changes rapidly – where programs/software become obsolete in a matter of years – equipping children with computing skills (programming, debugging, systematic problem-solving) is essential.
Implementation
Our Computing curriculum is implemented through our long-term plan, which indicates the areas (Connect – developing an understanding of how to safely connect with others, Code – developing an understanding of instructions, logic and sequences, Communicate – using applications to communicate one’s ideas; and Collect – developing an understanding of data, databases and their uses) of the curriculum that are taught in each year group across the year.
In Reception, children use a mouse, recognise direction, match and sort and familiarise themselves with using a keyboard and screen.
In Year 1, children recognise online safety importance, group and sort, develop pictograms, Lego builders, begin coding, build animated stories and talk about tech outside school.
In Year 2, children code, learn about staying safe online, use spreadsheets, questioning, search effectively, create pictures, make music and present ideas.
In Year 3, children code, develop online safety skills and understanding, touch type, email, produce graphs, explore simulations, branching databases and presenting in different formats.
In Year 4, children code, continue to develop online safety understanding, learn about spreadsheets, writing for different audiences, Logo commands, animation, effective searching, hardware investigators, music making and artificial intelligence.
In Year 5, children code, deepen online safety understanding, develop databases, model, use concept maps and game creators, word process and explore use of external devices.
In Year 6, children code, continue to extend online safety knowledge, use spreadsheets, blog, text, networks, quiz, learn about binary and compare MS Excel and Google spreadsheets.
Impact
Children at St Louis become confident users of hardware and software and are able to safely navigate the online world. Children enjoy Computing lessons and using the computing equipment within their broad and balanced curriculum. When speaking to children at St Louis, they will be able to tell you how to stay safe online.
Online Safety: Useful Help Sites for Parents
CEOP Education (thinkuknow.co.uk)
Childnet — Online safety for young people
Keep Children Safe Online: Information, Advice, Support - Internet Matters
Online and mobile safety | Childline
Keeping children safe online | NSPCC
UK Safer Internet Centre | SWGfL