Computing

Computing the Seahouses Way

To cultivate an enthusiasm for lifelong learning through a curriculum which reflects our rural and coastal context, adapting to the needs of our children- locally, nationally and globally.

In an increasingly digital world there now exists a wealth of software, tools and technologies that can be used to communicate, collaborate, express ideas and create digital content. At Seahouses Primary School, we believe that Computing is an integral part of preparing children to live in a world where technology is continuously and rapidly evolving, so much so that children are being prepared to work with technology that doesn’t even exist yet.

We understand that a broad and balanced computing curriculum with a structured, progressive, approach is essential for pupils to understand modern information and communication technologies (ICT), and for them to use these skills to become responsible, competent, confident and creative participants in an increasingly digital world.

We provide a computing curriculum offering the chance to master a broad and challenging skill set. Throughout school we also promote deep and relevant social awareness and cutting edge, constantly updated online safety education to ensure children’s future well-being.

Our aims in computing

Our aims in computing are to:

• Provide a broad, balanced, challenging and enjoyable curriculum for all pupils.
• Develop pupil’s computational thinking skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.
• Meet the requirements of the national curriculum programmes of study for computing at Key Stage 1 and 2
• Respond to new developments in technology
• Equip pupils with the confidence and skills to use digital tools and technologies throughout their lives.
• To enhance and enrich learning in other areas of the curriculum using IT and computing.
• To develop their understanding of how to use computers and digital tools safely and responsibly

How we deliver the computing curriculum

The school acknowledges the need to continually maintain, update and develop its resources and to make progress towards consistent, compatible computer systems by investing in resources that will effectively deliver the objectives of the National Curriculum and support the use of IT, computer science and digital literacy across the school. Computing network infrastructure and equipment has been sited so that:

• Every classroom from EYFS to Y6 has a ‘teacher’ computer connected to the school network and Smart TV with sound, DVD and video facilities.
• Internet access is available in all classrooms.
• Visualisers are positioned in all classrooms and are used as a teaching and learning resource across the curriculum.
• There are 6 desktops in every classroom (excluding EYFS)
• There are in excess of 46 iPads within school for use throughout the school day as part of computing lessons and for cross-curricular use.
• We have a wide range of programmable devices to support the delivery of the primary computing curriculum including: BeeBots, BlueBots, Rugged Racers and Ozobots.
• We have invested in a set of Virtual Reality Headsets. The VRs enable us to drop our pupils into an immersive world; allowing them to explore, to experience or to be involved in something, as if they are actually present in that environment or place.
• We regularly loan additional resources such as Spheros or 3D printers through our SLA to enhance the children’s learning experiences.
• We have an Anomaly TV screen in our school yard which offers a creative platform to display messages, celebrate pupil achievement, promote SMSC development and improve parent engagement.
• All children have access to our online learning platform ‘School 360’, which has a wealth of cross curricular resources and teaching activities which pupils can also access at home. Regular quizzes are set using this VLE to support the retention of knowledge in the pupil’s long term memory.
• We use Learning by Questions (LBQ) in KS2. As answering questions and solving problems is an effective way to learn, the use of this technology enables instant, quality feedback.
• Teaching of digital literacy and ICT is delivered through a combination of discrete lessons and cross-curricular subject links
• The core requirements of the KS1 and KS2 computing programs of study, such as coding/programming, will be delivered through a range of quality resources including: Dr Chips Primary Computing Schemes, Focus Education Resources, Barefoot Computing and Computing at School (CAS)
• The school has a computing technician who is in school half termly.
• Our SLA is operated in conjunction with Northumberland County Council Information Services and provides secure Internet connectivity for Curriculum and Admin, along with DfE approved filtering. 21st Century Broadband connections are provided by BT.

• Web filters are kept up-to-date in order to ensure that pupils do not access inappropriate materials.
• An audit of resources is taken on an annual basis to ensure that our computing provision remains appropriate to the latest requirements of the KS1 and KS2 primary computing programmes of study.

Online Safety

At Seahouses Primary School, we recognise and value the potential of the internet to enhance learning. The internet and electronic technologies are part of every child’s life. The pace of change of technology is incredible, our children are growing up in a world infused with technology which connects us with the wider world. This is why we believe that E-safety is an integral part of children’s education in today’s digital world and it is embedded in their learning at school.  We teach the children about internet safety on a regular basis, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to keep themselves safe online. It is our responsibility at Seahouses to ensure children are taught to use digital media safely and manage the risks in order to get the most out of what the internet has to offer.

Please visit to the E-safety section of our website for more information and support with online safety at Seahouses Primary School and at home.