Computing
Computing Curriculum Vision
At St. Mary’s Catholic Primary School, we value the contribution that technology can make for the benefit of all pupils, staff, parents and governors. We aim to provide safe and enjoyable opportunities to use technology and for this to motivate and inspire pupils as well as raising standards across the curriculum. We hope for our children to become lifelong learners who are equipped with the knowledge and skills required for the demands of an ever- changing world of technology.
Intent
At St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, we understand the immense value that technology plays not only in supporting the Computing and whole school curriculum but overall in the day-to-day life of our school. Our aims are to fulfil the requirements of the National Curriculum for Computing whilst also providing enhanced collaborative learning opportunities, engagement in rich content and supporting pupil’s conceptual understanding of new concepts.
Implementation
Here at St. Mary's we follow the Purple Mash scheme of work. This follows the National Curriculum for computing and enables us to meet the following curriculum aims:
The national curriculum for computing aims to ensure that all pupils:
- can understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation
- can analyse problems in computational terms, and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems
- can evaluate and apply information technology, including new or unfamiliar technologies, analytically to solve problems
- are responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology
Attainment Targets
By the end of each key stage, pupils are expected to know, apply and understand the matters, skills and processes specified in the relevant programme of study.
Key Stage 1
Pupils should be taught to:
- understand what algorithms are, how they are implemented as programs on digital devices, and that programs execute by following precise and unambiguous instructions
- create and debug simple programs
- use logical reasoning to predict the behaviour of simple programs
- use technology purposefully to create, organise, store, manipulate and retrieve digital content
- recognise common uses of information technology beyond school
- use technology safely and respectfully, keeping personal information private; identify where to go for help and support when they have concerns about content or contact on the internet or other online technologies
Key Stage 2
Pupils should be taught to:
- design, write and debug programs that accomplish specific goals, including controlling or simulating physical systems; solve problems by decomposing them into smaller parts
- use sequence, selection, and repetition in programs; work with variables and various forms of input and output
- use logical reasoning to explain how some simple algorithms work and to detect and correct errors in algorithms and programs
- understand computer networks, including the internet; how they can provide multiple services, such as the World Wide Web, and the opportunities they offer for communication and collaboration
- use search technologies effectively, appreciate how results are selected and ranked, and be discerning in evaluating digital content
- select, use and combine a variety of software (including internet services) on a range of digital devices to design and create a range of programs, systems and content that accomplish given goals, including collecting, analysing, evaluating and presenting data and information
- use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly; recognise acceptable/unacceptable behaviour; identify a range of ways to report concerns about content and contact
Throughout our curriculum we try to make links with computing and technology as much as possible, enabling for cross-curricular activities and encourage digital literacy.
Throughout the children's topics, the teachers will provide opportunities for the children to use the outdoor learning facilities and the world around them to deepen their learning.
Curriculum overview
computing curriculum overview.pdf
Continue Reading
Knowledge Organisers - Purple Mash
Online Safety
Parent Information
Parent’s Guide to Tech: From laptops to mobile phones to smart TVs, this link will give you lots of guidance and help in choosing what to purchase and what you need to be aware of:
Fortnite: Fortnite continues to remain ever popular with nearly 250 million players! Fortnite is rated PEGI 12 for frequent mild violence which means it is not suitable for persons under 12 years of age. The following links will provide you with further information about this game:
- https://www.saferinternet.org.uk/blog/parents-guide-fortnite-battle-royale
- https://parentzone.org.uk/article/fortnite-everything-you-need-know-about-online-game
YouTube: Does your child use YouTube? Here are some hints and tips on how to keep them safe whilst using it:
- https://parentzone.org.uk/article/youtube-kids-everything-you-need-know
- https://parentinfo.org/article/youtube-what-parents-need-to-know
- https://www.saferinternet.org.uk/blog/parent%E2%80%99s-guide-youtube-restricted-mode
- https://www.internetmatters.org/hub/guidance/youtube-tips-and-tricks-to-keep-your-children-entertained-and-safe/
Helplines: There are many organisations set up to provide you or your child with advice should you need it. Hereare just some of the organisations that can help you:
ChildLine: Call 0800 1111 https://www.childline.org.uk/
NSPCC: Call 0808 800 5000 https://www.nspcc.org.uk
Samaritans: Call 116 123 https://www.samaritans.org/
Bullying UK: Call 0808 800 2222 https://www.bullying.co.uk/
Childnet is a website that offers helpful hints and tips for parents - click the picture below
Social Media
You can find some practical guidance for parents and carers whose children are using social media by clicking here.
Facebook is the most popular Social Networking site on the internet. It was launched in 2004 and has an estimated 1.94 billion users. You can find more information about how to protect yourself online, how to report issues and how to deactivate your account here.
Instagram is a photograph and video sharing application and is particularly popular with children and teenagers. For further guidance of how you can stay safe when using Instagram, how to report any issues or how to deactivate your account click here.
TikTok is a free social media platform that lets users create, share and watch short videos ranging anywhere from 15 seconds to 10 minutes in duration.
Snapchat is a messenger app that allows you to send photos, videos, text and drawings. The unique feature of Snapchat is that the message only stays on the recipient’s phone for a matter of seconds.
Whatsapp is a free messenger app that enables users to send messages, images, video and audio using the internet and is popular amongst children. Further information on how to restrict access to Whatsapp can be found here.
Where to report?
Report Harmful Content: Reporting centre designed to assist everyone in reporting harmful content online.
Internet Watch Foundation: You can report sexual images of under 18s online directly to the Internet Watch Foundation.
CEOP: If you are worried about online sexual abuse or the way someone has been communicating online.
TikTok
Online Challenges
Fortnite
Age Rating
Online Safety Newsletters
Academic Year 2023/2024
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Online Safety Newsletter - April 2024
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download_for_offlineOnline Safety Newsletter - April 2024
- Online Safety Newsletter - March 2024 download_for_offline
download_for_offlineOnline Safety Newsletter - March 2024
- Online Safety Newsletter - February 2024 download_for_offline
download_for_offlineOnline Safety Newsletter - February 2024
- Online Safety Newsletter - January 2024 download_for_offline
download_for_offlineOnline Safety Newsletter - January 2024
- Online Safety Newsletter - December 2023 download_for_offline
download_for_offlineOnline Safety Newsletter - December 2023
- Online Safety Newsletter - November 2023 download_for_offline
download_for_offlineOnline Safety Newsletter - November 2023
- Online Safety Newsletter - October 2023 download_for_offline
download_for_offlineOnline Safety Newsletter - October 2023
- Online Safety Newsletter - September 2023 download_for_offline
download_for_offlineOnline Safety Newsletter - September 2023
Documents
E-Safety Curriculum Policy Draft
Purple Mash Scheme of Work Overview
EYFS Computing Progression of Skills
- Online Safety Newsletter - March 2024 download_for_offline