Computing and Internet Safety
Computing and Online Safety Lead: Miss K Betteridge
Our Vision
In Key Stage One and Two we follow the National Curriculum for Computing.
Technology has become an integral part of every day life. At Moons Moat First School we aim to provide a high-quality computing education which will equip pupils to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world. We will prepare our children for a future in an environment which is shaped by technology. We see technology as enriching learning opportunities and therefore endeavor to provide computing opportunities throughout each area of the curriculum, to provide a stimulus for learning.
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, pupils are equipped 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 suitable for the future workplace and as active participants in a digital world.
Our intention is to enable children to:
-Become creative, logical, critical thinkers who reason systematically and work collaboratively.
-Analyse problems in computational terms, and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems.
-Appreciate the relevance of digital literacy (including online safety) in our society and that they see it as an essential tool for learning, communication, finding information and for controlling and understanding their environment. As well as understanding the power and benefits of accessing the internet, children will be aware of risks whilst working and communicating online. They will be alert to the validity of information and will have acquired skills to check on its reliability. Children will know how to keep themselves safe online and the procedures to take if they feel threatened or concerned. They will understand how to protect their identity by keeping passwords and personal information safe and will recognise that permission must be sought to share information about themselves or others. They will have an awareness of their digital footprint and the implications it can have for their future.
-To explore their attitudes towards computing and its value to them. For example, to learn about issues of security, confidentiality and accuracy. As children‛s confidence grows they will be able to make informed choices about their use of information technology.
Our children are taught specific skills in computing lessons on a weekly basis, as well as lessons integrated into other curriculum subjects to enhance their learning experiences. Children are initially taught a new skill or concept as a whole class and then given opportunities to practise and apply new knowledge in pairs. The curriculum offers equity for all groups and is is intended that all children access it. Through continuous monitoring, any gaps in the children's understanding, knowledge and skills are identified and needs are then met by smaller group intervention and targeted support. Long, medium and short step by step short term planning is fully mapped to the National Curriculum for Computing at Key Stage 1 and 2.
The computing curriculum covers computer science, information technology and digital literacy including online safety. Children develop a range of skills progressively from the Foundation Stage to Year 4 in coding and programming, the use of multimedia, data handling, understanding networking and hardware and communication.
Children leave Year 4 equipped with an enjoyment, resilience and understanding of how technology can be used effectively to enhance now and how it will continue to develop in the future. Learning opportunities use growth mindset and problem solving approaches that enable children to develop persistence and confidence in new situation and unfamiliar contexts.
Children have a developing understanding of key vocabulary and terminology which will enable them to continue to progress in their knowledge of computing when moving through the rest of Key Stage 2.
Children will have gained the knowledge and confidence to question why things have happened and know how they can develop their ideas. Where appropriate the teaching of computing occurs through a topic based approach, particularly in KS1. Therefore children make links with how computing fits with other subject areas and how skills and knowledge can be transferred.
Online Safety:
At Moons Moat First School and Nursery, we also firmly believe in the importance of delivering a high-quality Online Safety curriculum, alongside the core values of the three stands. Online safety is embedded throughout the Computing curriculum and supports and consolidates the strong presence of online safety within our PSHE curriculum. We follow guidance from the National College which provides us with resources to deliver a carefully planned schedule. This covers themes including: self image and identity, online relationships, online reputation, cyberbullying, privacy and security, copyright and ownership and managing online information.
As technology develops, so does the need for a better understanding of how to use it in a responsible manner. We encourage all staff to model and educate our pupils on how to use technology positively, responsibly and safely. The education of online safety is therefore essential to ensure pupils are equipped with the skills to recognise risks online, to be critically aware of the materials and content they access online, along with guidance on how to accurately validate information accessed via the internet.
As part of our Online Safety provision, the whole-school take part in a ‘Safer Internet’ day in February to reinforce the importance of using technology responsibly.
We have an Online Safety policy that provides guidance for teachers and children about how to use the internet safely. Staff have regular internet safety training as part of Safeguarding and are informed of updates from CEOP (Child Exploitation Online Protection), ChildNet and The National Online Safety website. As well as this we have an acceptable use policy agreement which all school users are aware of and sign at the beginning to each year.
Click here to read our internet safety page with links and support.
Click here to read our Computing Policy
Click here to read our Anti Cyber Bullying Policy
Click here to read our Internet Safety Policy
Click here to read about knowledge and skills progression in Computing
Click here to read the vocabulary progression document
Click here to find out how Computing is taught in the Foundation Stage
Please click on the links below to access Computing planning:
Whole school long term plan for computing
