Computing at Stoneydelph
Technology is quickly embedding itself in every aspect of our children's lives. Children have access to technology and information like no other generation before them. At Stoneydelph, we recognise that as a result of this, it is paramount that children are equipped with the skills needed to ensure that they can operate safely and with knowledge about how the world of computers, smart technologies, AI and day-to-day technology works. We are also aware that the future will contain job markets, technological interfaces and software advancements that cannot be foreseen or even imagined at the present time. With all of this in mind, we are committed to delivering a fully embedded computing curriculum to students starting at Nursery and reception age.
Summer 1 - ICT HUB Timetable and learning intent.
Each class has been assigned a timetabled slot in the HUB where children are expected to use the facilities to improve and enhance children's understanding of Information Technology. In this time, for this half term, children in KS2 will be growing more familiar with Data Handling and Spreadsheet software after looking at word processing and presentation software in the previous two terms. KS2 children are also looking at improving the familiarity with a keyboard as they continue to learn how to touch type. KS1 children are continuing to look at how to navigate around a computer using and improving their mouse control and fine motor skills. they will be developing these skills to present data this half term. Reception will also be making more use of the ICT HUB this term too and will hope to fit in a weekly ICT HUB session whenever they can.
Monday - Year 1 & 2 (1 of the 3) & Year 3 (Robins Class)
Tuesday - Year 1 & 2 classes (2 of the 3)
Wednesday - Year 6 classes
Thursday - Year 3 (Woodpeckers Class) and Year 5
Friday - Year 4
Data Handling Progression Table March 2022.pdf
Presentation Progression Table December 2021.pdf
Typing & Word Prosessing Progression Table Feb 2021.pdf
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Prime VR - Virtual Reality Worships
On the 4th March 2022, the children in Key Stage 2 welcomed Stuart from Prime VR to school where he delivered a virtual reality workshop to each year group.
The workshops were a great hit with the children and I'm pleased to say that nearly all children in years 3 & 4 were able to take part.
Children in Year 3 & 4 were able to look at animals in their natural habitat and in a way that would be all but impossible to do in real life. They say animals of the ocean deep and those high in the canopy's of the rainforests (did you know that Sloughs only poo once a week?) as well as getting quite incredibly up close to a mongoose and an inquisitive giraffe in the Serengeti.
Children in year 5 & 6 however were taken on a trip to Mesoamerica and to the city of Chichen Itza. Here we experience the ruined and once lost city from the air and up close and got to stand amongst the pillars and columns of the Temple of a Thousand Warriors.
I know that all children have then reflected on their learning this week in writing recounts and reports of their experiences in English as well as using them to help inform and enrich their current curriculum topics of Predators and Maya Civilizations.
Thank you for supporting us in being able to provide these exciting opportunities for our children.
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Safer Internet Day 2022
On Tuesday 8th February, we joined schools and youth organisations across the UK in celebrating Safer Internet Day 2022. Safer Internet Day is a global campaign to promote the safe and responsible use of technology, which calls on young people, parents, carers, teachers, social workers, law enforcement, companies, policymakers and more, to join together in helping to create a better internet.
Using the internet safely and positively is a key message that we promote in Stoneydelph Primary School, and celebrating Safer Internet Day is a great opportunity for us to re-emphasise the online safety messages we deliver throughout the year. This year’s theme is: All fun and games? Exploring respect and relationships online. Each year group will look at these ideas in an age-appropriate way through discussion and interesting activities.
We would be delighted if you could join us in celebrating the day by continuing the conversation at home. To help you with this, you may be interested in downloading the free Safer Internet Day
Resources for Parents and Carers which is available at: saferinternet.org.uk/sid-parents.
There are top tips, quizzes, and films which you can use at home with your child.
Some other resources which you may find helpful in supporting your child online are:
- Tips, advice and guides for parents and carers from the UK Safer Internet Centre
(saferinternet.org.uk/parents)
- Advice for parents and carers from Childnet (childnet.com/parents-and-carers)
- Advice and guidance about specific online platforms an parental controls from the National Online Safety Website https://nationalonlinesafety.com/
- Reviews and information about games, apps, TV shows and websites from
Common Sense Media (commonsense.org)
- Help on using parental controls and privacy settings from InternetMatters
(internetmatters.org./controls)
- Information and reporting of online grooming or sexual abuse from CEOP (ceop.police.uk)
Online safety is an important issue which as a school we’re committed to teaching our pupils about.
If you have any concerns or questions about keeping your child safe online, please do get in touch with the school through your child’s class teacher, Mrs Parsons or myself (Mrs Phillips) as the Computing Subject lead in school.
Please have a look through some of the guides and help sheets that can be found on the National Online Safety Website. I've uploaded some of them as images above but there are many that are available which address a wide range of topics for apps, devices and parental controls. These can also be downloaded as PDFs which may be easier to read depending on the device you are using.
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Our Computing Curriculum Intent
In line with the 2014 national Curriculum for Computing, our aim is to provide a high-quality computing education which equips children to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world. The curriculum will teach children key knowledge about how computers and computer systems work and how they are designed and programmed. Learners will have the opportunity to gain an understanding of computational systems of all kinds, whether or not they include computers.
We intend that by the time children leave Stoneydelph Primary School, they will have gained key knowledge and skills in the three main areas of the computing curriculum: computer science (programming and understanding how digital system work); information technology (using computer systems to store, retrieve and send information) and; digital literacy (evaluating digital content and using technology safely and respectfully). The objectives within each strand support the development of learning across the key stages, ensuring a solid foundation for future learning and beyond.
Our Computing Curriculum Implementation
At Stoneydelph Primary School, computing is delivered through a clear and effective, bespoke cross-curricular scheme of work that provides coverage in line with the National Curriculum. Teaching and learning facilitates progression across all key stages within the strands of digital literacy, information technology and computer science.
The children have experiences of all three strands in each year group where the subject knowledge imparted becomes increasingly specific and in-depth, with more complex skills being taught. Knowledge and skills are mapped across each topic and year group to ensure systematic progression for each and every child.
Children have access to a wide range of hardware, software and resources which aid them in the acquisition of key computational skills and knowledge. Wider curriculum links and opportunities for the safe use of digital systems are considered in the wider curriculum planning of each year group and staff member. The importance of online safety is shown through regular teaching, school displays and through taking part in the annual Safer Internet Day activities. All children now have access to weekly digital literacy lessons using the ICT HUB or other computing resources.
Our Computing Curriculum Impact
Our approach to the curriculum results in a fun, engaging and high-quality computing education for all children.
Computing has a high profile at our school and as a result children become confident users of technology, who can use it to accomplish a wide variety of goals both in school and at home. Our children are confident using a wide range of hardware and software and are diligent learners who value online safety and respect when communicating with one another.
Children develop secure and comprehensive knowledge of the implications of technology and digital systems and how these are important in a society where technologies and trends are rapidly evolving. They are equally as able to apply the British values of democracy, tolerance, mutual respect, rule of law and liberty when using digital systems.
Computing Curriculum Coverage Intentions & Overviews
Please have a read through the opportunities for computing which have been identified within our wider curriculum units which change half-termly. As out curriculum is going through a review process at the moment, there are still gaps being worked upon filling and for the second year of the two year cycle which will be in place for next academic year.
Now Press Play Experiences
Now Press Play is an award-winning immersive audio resource which helps bring our exciting curriculum to life through the use of stories, sound and movement. It experiences work through the use of wireless remote headphones which guide children through subject related content in a fully immersive and safe environment. There are a huge range of constantly updating experiences which enable children to gain skills in the full curriculum from maths and literacy to geography, science and history. Furthermore, there are units which aid in the teaching of PHSE and give children scenarios to consider regarding online safety, bullying and making healthy lifestyle choices.
Ask you children about their most recent experiences in school. Now Press Play has recently been re-planned to ensure that the children are using this excellent resource frequently. Have a look at our intention documents for both EYFS, KS1 and KS2 below.
Now Press Play Coverage Intent EYFS & KS1 (May 2022).docx
Now Press Play Coverage Intent KS2 (May 2022).docx
For more information on Now Press Play, please also have a look at their website to see more about their experiences, their ethos and the research and case studies which go into their development and even listen to extracts from a few that are available.
Our new ICT HUB!
2021 has been an exciting year for computing at Stoneydelph. We have been able to repurpose an unused space within school and commission it into a purposely designed ICT HUB for our children from all key stages to enjoy. The room includes a wide range of brand new resources, including laptops, keyboards, headphones, cameras, iPads, webcams and microphones. The room has also been set up to include a full wall green screen for our children to make exciting use of.
We are really looking forward to the children using this space each week as part of their timetabled digital literacy lesson to explore their typing and mouse skills and to learn about information technology. The staff members also have flexibility in booking the ICT HUB to facilitate other computing or curriculum learning around school.
It's a really exciting development and investment in our school and our children's futures.
