CEOP
Mindmate
Childline
Parentview
ParentPay
Computing
Intent
At Lowtown we aim to instil a sense of enjoyment around using technology and to develop pupil’s appreciation of its capabilities and the opportunities technology offers to, create, manage, organise and collaborate. Tinkering with software and programs forms a part of the ethos of the scheme as we want to develop pupils’ confidence when encountering new technology, which is a vital skill in the ever evolving and changing landscape of technology. Through our curriculum, we intend for pupils not only to be digitally competent and have a range of transferable skills at a suitable level for the future workplace, but also to be responsible online citizens.
The Kapow scheme of work we have adopted works in conjunction with the National Curriculum, which provides progression and a breadth of knowledge across all year groups. We chose this scheme because it accesses a range of different digital media and gives children experiences in using a variety of programs.
Implementation
Computing at Pudsey Lowtown Primary School is taught weekly every other half term, for a complete afternoon. This allows teachers to go into more depth when teaching and opportunities to use the computers for further research in other subject areas. Online safety is taught both discretely through computing but also throughout the year with links to other subject areas such as PSHE
The computing scheme is organised into five key areas, creating a cyclical route through which pupils can develop their computing knowledge and skills by revisiting and building on previous learning:
- Computer systems and networks
- Programming
- Creating media
- Data handling
- Online safety
The implementation of Kapow Primary Computing ensures a broad and balanced coverage of the National curriculum requirement and the ‘Skills showcase’ units provide pupils with the opportunity to learn and apply transferable skills. Where meaningful, units have been created to link to other subjects such as science, art and music to enable the development of further transferable skills and genuine cross-curricular learning.
Lessons incorporate a range of teaching strategies from independent tasks, paired and group work as well as unplugged and digital activities. This variety mean that lessons are engaging and appeal to those with a variety of learning styles. Differentiated guidance is available for every lesson to ensure that lessons can be accessed by all pupils and opportunities to stretch pupils’ learning are available when required.
Strong subject knowledge is vital for staff to be able to deliver a highly effective and robust computing curriculum. Each of the units of lessons include teacher videos to develop subject knowledge and supports ongoing CPD.
Impact
Outcomes in the computer curriculum allows children to:
- be critical thinkers and able to understand how to make informed and appropriate digital choices in the future
- understand the importance that computing will have going forward in both their educational and working life and in their social and personal futures.
- Understand that technology helps to showcase their ideas and creativity. They will know that different types of software and hardware can help them achieve.
- be aware of online safety issues and protocols and be able to deal with any problems in a responsible and appropriate manner.
The impact of the curriculum is monitored through both formative and summative assessment. Each lesson provides guidance to support teacher in assessing pupils against the learning objectives and each unit has a quiz and knowledge catcher which can be used at the start and end of the unit.
Computing Long Term Plan
Computing Progression
2022 Computing Progression of knowledge and skills
Online Safety - Useful links and resources
Thinkuknow http://www.thinkuknow.co.uk
Thinkuknow is an education programme from the National Crime Agency’s CEOP Command. Since 2006, it aims to ensure that everyone has access to this practical information – children, young people, their parents and carers and the professionals who work with them.
Internet Matters https://www.internetmatters.org/advice/esafety-leaflets-resources/
A comprehensive web resource with a wide array of tips and advice on how to navigate the online world with your child. Some of their guidance we attach below but you can find even more by visiting the link.
National Online Safety https://nationalonlinesafety.com/resources/platform-guides/
National Online Safety's mission is to make the internet a safer place for children. They aim to do this by equipping school staff, parents and children with the knowledge they need to understand online dangers and how best to react should an incident arise. The link above provides up to date information about a wide variety of social media apps and platforms your child might be using.
NSPCC http://www.nspcc.org.uk/preventing-abuse/keeping-children-safe/share-aware/
The NSPCC are the first to admit that the internet is amazing. Children can play, learn, create and connect - opening up a whole world of exciting possibilities. But with the digital world changing all the time, how can you make sure your child’s staying safe? That’s where the NSPCC come in. Whether you’re an online expert or you’re not sure where to start, their tools and advice will help you keep your child safe.
Childnet http://www.childnet.com/parents-and-carers
Childnet International is a registered UK charity that aims to make the internet a safe place for children and young people. Packed with resources it is a great resource for parents.
CEOP http://ceop.police.uk/safety-centre/
Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) is part of the National Crime Agency and their website can be used to report if you are worried about online abuse or the way someone is communicating online.
BBC https://www.bbc.com/ownit
The BBC have a website and app called Own It. The website has a lot of content for children to help them navigate their online lives, and the free smartphone app comes with a special keyboard which can intervene with help and support in the moments that children need it the most.
SafetoNet https://safetonet.com/
SafeToNet is technology that educates children “in-the-moment” as they use their device. It is a safeguarding assistant that helps them become responsible and safe digital citizens. Its power lies in a smart keyboard that detects risks in real-time. It steers children away from trouble by filtering harmful outgoing messages before they can be sent and any damage can be done.
Click on the links to get up to date information and advice in relation to online safety
Online Safety Resources for children to access
Below are some links that children themselves can access for help when navigating the tricky subject of online safety,
Reception – Year 2
Below are a number of links that are tailored for children in the younger year groups.
https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/5_7/
https://www.netsmartzkids.org/
https://www.childnet.com/resources/smartie-the-penguin
Year 3 – Year 6
Below are links more suitable for older children.
https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/8_10/
https://www.nsteens.org
