Computing
Computing at Framework Federation:
We believe ICT and computing is a core basic skill, and its effective teaching will enable our pupils to participate and contribute positively in our rapidly changing world.
Aims:
- Ensure children are confident and independent users of ICT and use it with purpose and enjoyment.
- Motivate and inspire learners through the cross-curricular use of ICT and in doing so raise standards.
- Ensure children appreciate the applications and power of ICT whilst having a detailed understanding of E-Safety.
The computing scheme of work reflects the key elements of the National Curriculum.
Computing – we use software and apps to program algorithms and ‘make things happen’.
Computer science – we explain how computers and the world wide web work.
ICT – we use computers as a tool to present work using IT and multimedia
E-Safety – we ensure that young people know how to act responsibly when using technology, that they are aware of the dangers of the virtual world and that they know how to stay safe and who to turn to for help.
Within computing lessons we use a range of resources to enhance children's learning including: laptops, iPad, Bee-Bots and Micro:bits. Pupils are taught to be confident users of technology and are taught through as key units each year, building on previous learning:
- Creating Media
- Programming
- Data & Information
- Connecting Systems & Networks.
Within the Creating Media Unit pupils learn to select and use digital devices and software to create, manipulate and edit content. Key activities include desktop publishing, capturing and editing video, stop-frame animation, 3D modelling, and designing webpages.
Pupils are taught programming skills such as designing, writing and debugging, and progress from using simple commands on physical devices (like BeeBots) to block-based coding (Scratch) and text-based languages. They focus on concepts like sequence, repetition, selection, and variables. This also helps to build pupils problem solving skills and build resilience.
Pupils learn to collect, organise, and analyse data within the data and information unit. Key activities within this unit include: creating pictograms, sorting data, using data loggers and understanding how to use databases and spreadsheets effectively.
Pupils are also taught to understand how technology works through connecting systems and networks to finding out how computers and digital devices share information. This also extends to technology beyond the classroom. They identify network components like routers and switches, understand how devices connect wirelessly or through cables, and explore the concept of the internet. They are taught to search safely for information using safe search engines behind the school filtering systems.
Online Safety:
Framework Federation recognises that an online presence is a part of every child’s life from very early in their school career. They access the world wide web form a very early age and many play collaborative games online at home even before KS1. By the start of KS2 many pupils use gaming platforms and messaging apps to communicate with their friends. Therefore, central to all computing lessons is an emphasis on e-safety. Pupils are taught how to act safely and responsibly online. Pupils and parents follow the School Acceptable Use of ICT Policy, which means that they use equipment and the internet responsibly at all times.
E-Safety is discussed with pupils at all opportunities from the time they start at the Framework Federation. Early years are taught using appropriate resources such as storybooks like 'Smartie the Penguin’ which can be accessed through the Childnet website. There are lessons dedicated to E-Safety built into the computing scheme of work with a different area of focus each half term.
Specific issues which relate to safeguarding are reported to the DSL by staff when they arise.
Every year the school participates in the national Safer Internet Day which takes place every February. This is another brilliant opportunity for the whole school to promote safe and responsible actions online.
Throughout the year, pupils are taught how to behave safely online by being 'SMART with a heart':
- S - Safe:
Keeping personal information safe, by not sharing personal details online and using safe and secure passwords. Recognising the dangers of posting images and information online, not just of themselves but of others who may not have given permission.
- M - Meet
Recognising the dangers of communicating by social media and not meeting up in person with strangers they have met online.
- A - Accept
Thinking before clicking links, photos and pop-ups to avoid viruses, scams, or harmful content from unknown sources.
- R - Reliable
Understanding that not all information found online is true or reliable (including harmful uses of AI) and remembering that not everyone online is who they say they are.
- T - Tell:
Recognising inappropriate behaviour online and knowing who to report it to.
- SMART with a heart:
Behaving respectfully online and being kind to others with an aim to make the internet a better place. Understanding what a digital footprint is and how actions online can affect both themselves and others.
Pupils are encouraged to contact appropriate adults if they have any issues online such as unwanted or inappropriate contact, or if they feel they have been treated badly by behaviour of others online.
Framework Federation recognises that while pupils are at school their use of computers is supervised and safe as they are behind the school filtering systems. However, this is not always the case at home and we recognise the importance of sharing E-Safety practices with parents so that they can spot issues such as inappropriate behaviour, inappropriate gaming or viewing and/or radicalisation through misinformation on inappropriate websites. The federation works with parents to encourage them to install appropriate filtering software at home and parental controls on devices. Parents are encouraged to contact the school if they have any concerns about pupil behaviour online. A number of evenings for parents have been held across the federation and the federation website contains information for parents on E-Safety issues.
Parents and staff are aware of the need to follow GDPR regulations and any breaches are recorded. Advice is sought from Derbyshire County Council when such incidents occur.