Computing

Coordinator and E-SAFETY lead - Mr T. Harraway

 

We live in a rapidly changing technological world. This means that we need to ensure that our children grow up acquiring the skills, knowledge and understanding to use various forms of ICT in order to prepare them for life in the future.

 

What is Computing?

There are two aspects to Computing:

Firstly, Computing is concerned with the handling of information: this can consist of text, numbers, pictures, sounds or other signals which may be created, collected, stored, organised, processed and communicated in a variety of ways.

Secondly, it incorporates communication technologies. This includes technologies such as the internet and email, and using other digital resources for communication like cameras, web-cams and video-conferencing equipment.

 

Developing Communication

Children at Handford Hall are introduced to a variety of technologies to communicate their ideas. The children use digital cameras to make videos and short animations which bring creativity into their work.

At Handford Hall we benefit from some great ICT including laptops and iPads, that can be used effectively in lessons across the curriculum and by all classes.

 

E - SAFETY

 

We teach children the importance of using computers and the internet safely , as well as the risks of cyber bullying. If you have internet access at home or on smart phones please make sure that access is filtered and use supervised.

TOP TIPS FOR USING THE INTERNET SAFELY:

1. Consider using internet filtering software, walled gardens and child-friendly search engines. Use your browser's controls as some offer differing degrees of security for each family member.

2. Check out what child protection services your internet service provider offers - do they filter for spam, for instance? If not, ask them why.

3. Keep the computer in a communal area of the house, where it's easier to monitor what your children are viewing.

4. Tell children not to give out their personal details.

5. Children love to chat, but make sure they only use moderated chat rooms and encourage them to introduce you to their online friends.

6. Encourage your children to tell you if they feel uncomfortable, upset or threatened by anything they see online.

7. Involve your children in writing your own family code of acceptable internet use. Remember that what's acceptable for a teenager isn't necessarily OK for a primary school-aged child.

8. The web's a great resource for homework, but remember to use more than one site in research to get broad, balanced information and always reference your research sources.

9. Surf together. Go online with your children and become part of their online life. The key to safe surfing is communication.

 

Computer Coding

Computing is taught across the curriculum with use in a range of subjects. This year, as part of the National Curriculum, all children will be learning Computer Coding, using programmes such as Espresso and Scratch.

Espresso Coding helps your child fulfil some aspects of coding in the National Curriculum for Computing at Key Stages 1 and 2.

 

Pupils explore key concepts such as algorithms, sequences and variables and develop skills like problem solving, logical reasoning and debugging.

 

Computing is regularly used across the curriculum in a variety of lessons so that children still gain a coverage of general computing skills; for example, word processing, compiling graphical information and using research skills.

 

Each class from Reception to Year Six class has access to laptops, as well as iPads.

The children are encouraged to communicate ideas and information in a variety of forms, where appropriate, using equipment and computer software to enhance their learning.

 

We have a wide range of software and online materials that we use to support curricular activities, which we regularly review. We are committed to using up to date digital resources and are subscribers to online learning content such as Education City, Accelerated Reader, Lexia, Time Tables Rock Stars as well as Mathletics which you can use at home. Your child should have login details in their home school diary.

 

In the academic year 2019/20 we are enhancing HH Computing Curriculum by delivering inventive and inspiring units by Rising Stars 'SWITCHED ON' (from EYFS to Year 6).