Our high-quality computing education equips pupils to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world. Computing has deep links with mathematics, science and design and technology, and provides insights into both natural and artificial systems.
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.
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.’
Online Safety
Key messages to talk to your child about:
- Never share anything with anyone they wouldn't want you or their teacher to see. THINK BEFORE YOU POST.
- Make sure they know who to talk to if they feel uncomfortable, upset or worried.
- Never communicate online with anyone they don't know AND TRUST in the real world.
- Keep personal information private.
- Don't send anything to anyone you wouldn't want to receive yourself and don't share other people's content.
Content:
- Be careful which sites the rest of the family visit.
- Tell your child not to fill out online forms.
- Talk to your children about validity of sites when researching - anyone can create a website.
Social networking/chat rooms/gaming:
- Talk to them about digital privacy.
- Talk to your child about 'friends' - someone they 'meet online' in NOT a friend.
- Decide what PEGI rating games you will allow them to play and make sure they are aware (be aware that extreme gaming may be a safeguarding issue)
Other tips and useful links to help you to keep your children safe online:
- Explore e-safety sites - They are great fun to explore, so why not browse through them with your children?
- Social media sites - Many of these sites have a minimum age limit of 13, so our pupils should not be using them.
- Keep your devices in a shared area - Talk to your child about what they are doing online and, if possible, set up your computer in a shared area at home so that you can all share in the sites that are available online.
- Set up Google safe searches
Useful Websites
- Think U Know - Containing internet safety advice for those aged from 5 to 16, along with parents and teachers, this site is produced by CEOP (the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre).
- Vodafone Parents - Vodafone have lots of fantastic practical advice for parents. You can also read their 'Digital Parenting' magazine.
- Kidscape - An organisation which helps to prevent bullying and child abuse.
- Childline - ChildLine is the free helpline for children and young people in the UK.
- NSPCC - Information and advice about children at risk and child abuse.
- CEOP - Child Exploitation & Online Protection - Stay safe online.
