Computing

“Everyone should know how to programme a computer because it teaches you how to think. “– Steve Jobs (Apple Inc)

At Charlton we believe, a quality computing education is important to encourage children to think, be innovative, be creative and understand change in the world. The fundamental skill of computing is computer science, where pupils are taught the principles of information and computation, how digital systems work, and how to put this knowledge through programming. Using this understanding, pupils are equipped to use information technology effectively. It is important, for us as a school, to ensure children become digitally literate. We want the children to succeed to use, express themselves and develop their ideas effectively through information technology. We use the scheme 'Purple Mash' as the basis for our computing curriculum as well as introducing some physical computing kits this year to work alongside the curriculum!

Children are aware of the benefits and disadvantages of using technology and aware of what to do to keep themselves and others safe online. Keeping children safe online is very important to us as a school, we have adopted the phrase ‘Turn it off (the screen) and tell’ to remind the children of a strategy to use if they are faced with an online issue they may face. We are fully supportive and take part in the ‘Safer Internet Day’ collaborations, which enables educators and children to share up-to-date methods to enhance skills and methods to keep themselves safe whilst they are using the internet.

We also have designated ‘Digital Leaders’ champions who help to support safer internet use as well as collect relevant feedback from peers.

The major focus for teaching and learning throughout computing sessions is teaching specific skills.

In computing sessions, we ensure children learn specific skills such as:

• Computer science (programming)
• Computing and ICT (Information communication and technology)
• Digital literacy (e safety)

Computing has deep links to maths, English, science, music and art. It provides insight to how technology is used around us and to be used instead of conventional methods such as using ‘Times Tables Rockstars’ to enhance the learning of timetables in maths session.

We hope with all these provisions in place we will equip the children with the vital skills they will need to use computer programs and equipment.

If you would like more information about online safety please visit the ‘Children, online safety’ tab on the school website.