Computing

Computing is of central importance in the modern world and this is reflected in how it is taught in our school. We are a school where children are encouraged to problem solve from nursery upwards.

Our current Computing leader is an accredited Apple Teacher and iPads and Chrome books are used across the curriculum to enhance teaching and learning.

We actively use APPs and online tools to support children  with learning both inside and outside of school.

Our children learn to become highly effective problem solvers and computational thinkers. We use the North Tyneside Teach ICT scheme across school which provides children with engaging and thorough content.

In Early Years, the children are afforded ample opportunities to build upon these core 'unplugged' computing skills through their wider curriculum. They will learn how to stay safe when using technology, understand what a healthy amount of screen time is and become competent and confident when using information and communication technology.

The computing curriculum is split into three main strands that the children will explore: Computer ScienceInformation Technology and Digital Literacy.

In the Computer Science strand, the children will gain a secure understanding of algorithms and their use in our wider world. They will grow to become confident coders, proficient analysts and be able to create and debug a range of programs. They will use a range of equipment during their time in school such as Scratch, Lego and Blue Bots.

When learning about Information Technology, we want our children to recognise that digital content can be represented in many forms, be able to present and edit information themselves and use software to their advantage by storing information on a variety of networks.

Digital Literacy is an area we are passionate about in our school and it is essential that our children have a sound understanding of how to behave online and the strategies to keep themselves safe when using technology in school and at home. Our children love using technology across the curriculum and will be able to explore the online world responsibly.

The children will use a range of resources in their Computing lessons and our staff are always keen to share the children’s projects and learning on our school Facebook page. Keep an eye out for the wonderful work they are creating!

We are passionate about preparing our children for their future and for their jobs, many of which will not even exist yet and which will no doubt involve computing to some degree!

We are a paperless school, which has a positive impact both on effective communication with parents and carers, recycling and our carbon footprint!

It is important to us that we lead by example for our children!

Subject Overviews

Skills and Knowledge

A detailed look at the skills children develop term by term, year by year.

Thematic Overview

A brief summary of the topics children explore each term.

Vocabulary Overview

The key vocabulary children will develop as they progress through each topic.

Early Years Curriculum

Every child deserves the best possible start in life and the support that enables them to fulfil their potential.  That's why all of our subject learning starts in Early Years (EY)!

Click here to find out more about the EY curriculum

Online Safety for Children

Safety at school

Children need to be safe both at school and at home, and online safety is crucial to that. At the start of each school year, all pupils are taught strategies to stay online safely through our computing curriculum. This is to help the children understand and be aware of how they can stay safe and behave responsibly online, but working with you is vital for us to be successful in keeping children safe online.
As a school, we participate in Safer Internet Day each year where the children will build on their knowledge about staying safe online.

Safety at home

We need the help of parents and carers to talk to your children about how to be safe and act safely online. When children are online, it's critical that we all remain vigilant and take precautions to keep them safe from people who may pose a risk to them. Children can accidentally or deliberately be exposed to illegal, unwanted or unpleasant content, comments or activity online and there are steps parents and carers can take at home to minimise this risk. We recommend that children use devices when they are in a communal area where they can be monitored and encourage them to report anything that makes them feel uncomfortable to an adult. Also, to keep children safe, we recommend that they do not use online chat rooms where they can speak to people who they do not know. If someone joins a chat they do not know, the children should be encouraged to leave and report this to an adult.
If you have any queries or concerns please do not hesitate to speak to school about this and we will support where we can.

Useful links

www.thinkuknow.co.uk – Visit the “Parent/Carer” Section and use the “Click CEOP” button to seek advice and report online abuse
www.childnet.com – Visit the ‘Know It All’ Section for an interactive guide about online safety
www.getsafeonline.org – Free up-to-date Security advice including using complex passwords and managing hacked accounts
www.internetmatters.org – Information from the four largest internet service providers (BT, Sky, TalkTalk and Virgin)
www.nspcc.org.uk/onlinesafety - NSPCC’s Share Aware campaign provides information for parents about popular social media sites, apps and games.
www.saferinternet.org.uk – Parents guides to safety tools on popular devices and signposts report mechanisms for some websites.

Curriculum Coverage