Computing

Vision Statement

At Shardlow Primary School our computing curriculum aims to ensure children are digitally literate and global citizens of the 21st century. Throughout their computing education at Shardlow children are encouraged to use skills that are transferrable and will be of use in their bright futures. Children are taught discrete computing lessons, but also have the opportunity to use ICT within the class across a range of subjects. Children have regular access to laptop computers and iPads. 

Our Computing Curriculum places emphasis on a combination of skills and knowledge. The curriculum is split into three main areas: Computer Science, Information Technology and Digital Literacy. 

Children are taught how computers work, how to write algorithms and solve problems, culminating in the creation of computer programs. This strand of the curriculum, 'Computer Science' involves using logic and ideas about systems, patterns, abstraction and decomposition. 

Within the 'Information Technology' strand of the curriculum, children learn how computers can be used to represent and manage data. The 'Digital Literacy' element involves our children interacting with digital information safely and responsibly, with a strong emphasis on e-safety.

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E-Safety

In today’s digital world, e-safety is of paramount importance and we ensure that it is firmly embedded in our children's learning at school. We also encourage our parents and carers to have an awareness and understanding of e-safety in order for their children to use the internet in a safe and responsible way.

School

As part of our Computing Curriculum, we provide access to the internet in teacher supervised lessons. We adamantly believe that the use of the internet is an invaluable tool for children to allow them to become global citizens of the 21st century. However, because of concerns about the extent of content children can access on the internet, our school internet access provider operates a filtering system that restricts access to inappropriate materials. 

Within our computing lessons, each class is taught how we can all stay safe online and the dangers we may face on the internet. We also take part in the annual Safer Internet Day across our school.

Home

The internet is a brilliant tool when used in the right way, and as a parent you will understand the importance of it to our children as it is used to learn, socialise and for entertainment. However, the technology children use can pose certain risks- such as cyber-bullying, contact from strangers or access to illegal/inappropriate content. 

Childnet recommends the following questions you could ask your child to promote their online safety:

• Ask your children to tell you about the sites they like to visit and what they enjoy doing online.
• Ask them about how they stay safe online. What tips do they have for you, and where did they learn them? What is OK and not OK to share?
• Ask them if they know where to go for help, where to find the safety advice, privacy settings and how to report or block on the services they use.
• Encourage them to help. Perhaps they can show you how to do something better online or they might have a friend who would benefit from their help and support.
• Think about how you use the internet as a family. What could you do to get more out of the internet together and further enjoy your lives online.