St Margaret's CE Primary School

Computing

Computing is a vital skill for life and the curriculum helps prepare children for the future. Technology plays a part throughout our lives and so it is important they can use it effectively. Technology and the internet/social media plays a big part in their lives already.

In the last year, we have all used our devices more than ever and children are becoming a lot more competent using them and communicating through them. We need to make sure they are skilled and protected when doing this and so both home and school need to work together to keep children safe and happy. The best way to do this is through communication - so children know they can speak to trusted adults about what they are doing on technology and anything they come across. It isn't just about having controls on the internet. There is a range of websites and organisations at the bottom of the page to help you do this. 

As part of the school computing curriculum, they will use a range of technologies and learn different skills such as programming and using different types of software. They will use computing and technology across the curriculum as well as learning specific skills. We have a computer suite with 30 computers and all children have at least 1 hour in the suite a week. They also have computers in their classrooms. 

A major part of the computing curriculum is esafety so children understand how to use the internet and technology safely and responsibly. This fits in with the PSHE curriculum around keeping safe and working with others. Children are taught at an age appropriate level what to do if they come across something upsetting on the internet and how to use it responsibly. This takes place in different units throughout the year and we take part in the national Internet Safety day. 

 More information and organisations providing support to parents:

Parent info

Parent Info is a free service that shares articles, tips, expert advice and resources designed to help parents keep up with what their children are doing on-line. Parent Info is a collaboration between CEOP and Parent Zone.  https://parentzone.org.uk/

Also see

NSPCC keeping children safe online

Safety Net online safety

Think u know

Progression of skills