Computing
The computing curriculum at ALP equips pupils to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world. The curriculum has three focus areas, computer science, digital literacy and information technology. Through these focus areas, pupils are taught the principles of information and computation, how digital systems work, and how to put this knowledge to use through programming. Building on this knowledge and understanding, pupils learn how to use information technology to create programs, systems and a range of content. Gaining the knowledge, skills and understanding throughout the curriculum allows pupils to become confident and responsible users of current and emerging technology. Our learners are encouraged to be ‘Digital Learners’, embracing the use of technology and develop their use of computational thinking and creativity.
The computing curriculum is planned and sequenced so that new knowledge and skills builds on what has been taught before, working towards developing deeper understanding and skills in order to apply these in any context. Throughout the curriculum pupils acquire a broad range of subject knowledge and draw on disciplines such as mathematics, science and engineering. Planning ensures opportunities to demonstrate core values, skills for life and develop STEM knowledge and skills which reflect regional employment priorities. Pupils learn how to express themselves and develop ideas through information and communication technology.
Underpinning our curriculum, is the high importance we place on pupils understanding of how to keep themselves and others safe and the need to be responsible and respectful both in and outside of school. We ensure pupils understand the need to consider their digital footprint and what they should do if they are concerned or worried about something online.
In EYFS pupils learn how to keep themselves safe, explore programmable toys and begin to use applications for a specific task. In KS1, the computing curriculum focuses on pupils developing their understanding of creating digital content, learning about algorithms and simple programming and providing pupils with the knowledge and understanding of how to be safe when using technology. A challenging and broad curriculum in KS2 further develops pupils’ knowledge, skills and understanding through applying fundamental principles of computer science, including abstraction, logic, decomposition and debugging. Pupils design and write more complex programs that simulate physical systems, linking this to real world problems. They learn how internet services can be used to share and present information and how data is shared on a network. The knowledge, skills and understanding gained in each stage equips our pupils to become confident, independent, responsible and resilient, users in a constantly evolving technological world.
Online Safety For Parents
Here at the ALP Trust we believe that it is important for our pupils to become good digital citizens and use technology and in particular online technology, responsibly, respectfully and safely. There is so much valuable and engaging content online while at the same time potential risks to users. Online Safety is promoted in school lessons, assemblies, pupil voice, participating in Safer Internet Day. We actively encourage pupils to talk about any concerns they may have regarding online content or use of technology. We understand that as parents you want to support your child in becoming confident and independent users of technology and provide advice through our Facebook, Newsletters, drop in sessions. There is a great deal of advice for parents regarding online safety on the internet and listed below are a number of links to websites that provide valuable support and advice.We also strongly recommend the following top tips from saferinternet.org.uk
- Be engaged
Talk regularly with your children about how they use technology, and find out what their digital life is like, including how they communicate using images and videos. Perhaps you can start off by discussing your favourite emojis?
- Be aware
Explore the online features of the devices you already own in your family and the devices you might buy for your child in the future. Knowing how to activate and use parental controls can help protect your child from seeing inappropriate content online.
- Be there
The most important thing is to ensure that you are there if something goes wrong. Your child might be very embarrassed to discuss the issue they are facing so reassure them that they can turn to you no matter what.
- Be thoughtful
The internet provides a platform for billions of people to share their views and opinions but not everything or everyone online is trustworthy. Encourage your children to think critically about the things they see online including the images and videos they view on social media. Discussing what they have seen and the message behind a photo or a video can help them consider the difference between fact and opinion, and that there is sometimes more than meets the eye
https://nationalonlinesafety.com/resources/wake-up wednesday/
https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents/
https://www.childnet.com/parents-and-carers
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/preventing-abuse/keeping-children-safe/online safety/