Computing and E-Safety

"With God, all things are possible" Matthew 19:26

Crowton Christ Church C.E Primary School believes that every child has the right to a curriculum that champions excellence enabling children to achieve the very best of their abilities. We understand the immense value technology plays not only in supporting the computing and whole school curriculum but overall in the day-to-day life of our school. We believe that technology can provide: enhanced collaborative learning opportunities; better engagement of pupils; easier access to rich content; support conceptual understanding of new concepts and can support the needs of all our pupils. A high-quality computing education equips children to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world. Computing has deep links with mathematics, science, and design and technology, and provides insights into both natural and artificial systems. The core of computing is computer science, in which children 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, children are equipped to use information technology to create programs, systems and a range of content. Computing also ensures that children become digitally literate – able to use, and express themselves and develop their ideas through, information technology.

Intent

Our aim is to provide a rich, challenging Computing curriculum that will equip all pupils with the experience, skills and confidence they need to succeed and achieve in our rapidly changing technological world. In Computing lessons, pupils will be 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, we aim to equip children with the knowledge and understanding of how to use information technology to create programs, systems and a range of content. We will encourage children to use computational thinking and creativity to solve problems across the curriculum and teach them how to apply the skills that they have learnt.

We also recognise our responsibility to give our children the best tools to make informed decisions whilst using the internet. As they progress through school, pupils will develop a detailed knowledge and understanding of e-safety and how to keep safe online through practical experiences. It is a subject that will broaden their learning beyond their lived experiences. We aim for our children to be inquisitive and use technology to explore, educate and develop.

At Crowton Christ Church C.E. Primary School, our computing curriculum is designed to:

• Provide a high-quality computing education that equips pupils to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world.

• Support pupils to become confident, competent, and responsible users of a range of digital technologies.

• Follow the Teach Computing scheme, aligned to the National Curriculum, which ensures broad and balanced coverage across the three strands of computing: Computer Science, Information Technology, and Digital Literacy.

• Foster digital resilience and online safety awareness, enabling pupils to participate safely and respectfully in the digital world.

• Encourage inclusive access to computing so all pupils, regardless of background or ability, can achieve their potential.

One of the most important aspects of the Computing curriculum at Crowton is the focus on Digital Literacy. We want our children to use technology safely and respectfully, to recognise the fantastic opportunities that the online world can bring but also to recognise the implications of this. We teach them how to balance their screen time, filter for real and ‘fake’ news, keep themselves protected in an online environment and recognise the impact of their online and offline behaviour.

Safeguarding: Online Safety

Online safety has a high profile at Crowton. We ensure this profile is maintained and that pupil needs are met by the following:

• A relevant up-to-date online safety curriculum which is progressive from Foundation Stage to the end of Year 6.

• A curriculum that is threaded throughout other curriculums and embedded in the day-to-day lives of our pupils.

• Training for staff and governors which is relevant to their needs and ultimately positively impacts on the pupils.

• Scheduled pupil voice sessions and learning walks steer changes and inform training needs.

• Through our home/school links and communication channels, parents are kept up to date with relevant online safety matters, policies and agreements. They know who to contact at school if they have concerns.

• Our online safety policy (part of our safeguarding policy) clearly states how monitoring of online safety is undertaken.

• Filtering and monitoring systems for all our online access.

• Data policies which stipulate how we keep confidential information secure.

Implementation

As a school, we follow the Teach Computing Scheme of Work. The scheme of work supports our teachers in delivering fun and engaging lessons which help to raise standards and allow all pupils to achieve to their full potential. We are confident that the scheme of work more than adequately meets the national vision for Computing. It provides immense flexibility, strong cross-curricular links. Furthermore, it gives excellent supporting material for less confident teachers.

Our computing curriculum is implemented through the structured Teach Computing scheme, developed by the National Centre for Computing Education (NCCE), which ensures:

• Sequenced learning: Units are carefully sequenced to build on prior learning and ensure progression of knowledge and skills from EYFS through to Year 6.

• Knowledge-rich content: Lessons focus on the core strands of computing with clear learning outcomes:

- Computer Science: Programming and understanding how digital systems work.

- Information Technology: Creating, organizing, and manipulating digital content.

- Digital Literacy: Using technology safely, respectfully, and responsibly.

• Cross-curricular opportunities: Computing is linked meaningfully with other subjects where appropriate, enhancing engagement and real-world relevance.

• Use of appropriate technology and resources: Including iPads, Beebots and other relevant software or platforms.

• Staff CPD: Teachers are supported through ongoing training and resources provided by the NCCE to ensure confident and effective delivery of computing.

• Online safety integration: Through discrete computing lessons, PSHE sessions and whole-school events such as Safer Internet Day

Impact

The impact of our computing curriculum at evident in the confidence, competence and digital responsibility demonstrated by our pupils. Through regular pupil voice activities, children are able to articulate what they have learned, show a clear understanding of key computing concepts and explain how they use technology safely and responsibly. Progress is effectively tracked using the built-in assessment tools within the Teach Computing scheme, including end-of-unit reflections, low-stakes quizzes, and ongoing teacher observations. This enables us to monitor individual and class-wide understanding and adjust teaching accordingly.

Pupils’ digital work is saved, shared and celebrated, showcasing their progression, creativity and the breadth of their computing experience across all key stages. By the time they leave our school, pupils are digitally literate and equipped with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in secondary education and adapt to an increasingly digital world. We place a strong emphasis on inclusion and equity, ensuring that all learners, including those with SEND, are supported to access the curriculum fully and make sustained progress.

Children will become confident users of technology. They will have resilience when tackling programmes or unfamiliar software and technology. They will become digitally literate and resilient. As children progress throughout the school, they develop a deep knowledge, understanding and appreciation of the Computing. Outcomes on Blippit/SeeSaw evidence a broad and balanced Computing curriculum.