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'With Jesus, we learn as a joyful family and flourish to be the best that we can be'

Computing

Subject Leader – Mrs Venables

At St Mary’s and St. Benedict’s, we recognise that the National Curriculum divides the teaching and learning of Computing into three strands (Computer Science, Digital Literacy and Information Technology). The curriculum we employ supports children to complete age appropriate Computing and prepare them to be safe, active participants in a digital world.

We strive to provide “a high-quality Computing education that equips pupils to use digital thinking and creativity to understand the world.”

Computing in our school ensures that pupils become digitally literate, are able to use and express themselves and develop their ideas through technology.

How we deliver the Curriculum

At St. Mary’s and St. Benedict’s, we deliver and teach the Computing curriculum through the Purple Mash Whole School Plan. We have chosen the Purple Mash Computing Scheme as it supports our teachers in delivering fun and engaging lessons, which help to raise computing standards and allow all pupils to achieve to their full potential. We are confident that the scheme supports all children in our school to meet the national vision for Computing.

The implementation of Computing units in the Purple Mash programme will ensure a continuity and progression of skills, knowledge and understanding across the school. This is done by implementing Computing skills in meaningful ways and maximising cross-curricular links. As a stand-alone subject, Computing topics are taught at three points in the school year and planning is chosen to target gaps in learning, whilst also supporting our two-year rolling programme of Topic subjects.

Policies

Computer Suite

We have a purpose-built computer suite for teachers to deliver Computing lessons and we are also fortunate to have a bank of laptops available to KS1 and KS2. Additionally, we have a number of iPads that we can use in classes, across the curriculum.

Purple Mash

We use Purple Mash to support the teaching of the Computing curriculum throughout the school year. Each child from Year 1 to Year 6 has their own password and login to their individual account, which they can access at school or at home. As Purple Mash is online, children can continue their learning anywhere and anytime.

Purple Mash hosts an exciting mix of curriculum focused activities, creative tools, programs and games to support and inspire creative learning every day. Our children enjoy using Purple Mash tools such as; publishing, story creation, game design, concept mapping, collaborative writing and art.

Purple Mash is also cross curricular with a range of Maths, English, Science, Geography, History, Design & Technology and Art tools and resources.

Remote Learning with Purple Mash

During Remote Learning, children can use Purple Mash to support their learning at home. Computing and digital skills are continuing to be embedded across both KS1 and KS2.

Teachers can set 2dos and children complete tasks, allowing Teachers the opportunity to provide instant feedback. Furthermore, children across the school can communicate with their class teacher using 2email, allowing them to hand in their home learning to be marked.

Staying Safe Online

Safety is a key consideration for everything we do as a school, and to promote safety on the internet, our school regularly provides information for parents on how to be aware of social media and internet dangers. This includes information on apps such as TikTok and Houseparty, websites such as Instagram and Facebook and communication and streaming sites including Zoom and Netflix.

Internet Safety Day

A whole school approach to internet safety is further underpinned by Safer Internet Day, which takes place each year. Children learn how to stay safe on the internet and are taught how to recognise any dangers. We know that Computing can be a very exciting subject, yet equally we recognise that the use of these technologies can put young people at risk in and outside of the school. An Internet Access agreement has therefore been created to protect all parties, and rules for responsible internet use are displayed next to each computer and in each classroom.

For further information and support about helping your child to stay safe online, please use the link below.

Online Safety

Please find our acceptable use agreements below.

Exploring Safer Internet Day

In our classes, we explore safer internet day each year using resources such as websites and videos. We have discussions about how to stay safe online and ensure all children are aware of who their trusted adults are if they need to talk to someone about feeling unsafe online.

In Year 1 and 2, we used role play to act out talking to a stranger online. By the end of the session, the children were aware of what information they should not give out online and the reasons behind it.

Parent guide to eSafety

As a parent, you'll know how important the internet is to children - they use it to learn, play, socialise and express themselves. It's a highly creative place of amazing opportunities. But the technology children use every day can seem a bit daunting and you might worry about the risks your child can face online.

You can engage with your children regarding their use of the internet while at home. Here are some conversation starter ideas from www.childnet.com:

Ask your children to tell you about the sites they like to visit and what they enjoy doing online.
Ask them about how they stay safe online. What tips do they have for you, and where did they learn them? What is OK and not OK to share?
Ask them if they know where to go for help, where to find the safety advice, privacy settings and how to report or block the services they use.
Encourage them to help. Perhaps they can show you how to do something better online or they might have a friend who would benefit from their help and support.
Think about how you use the internet as a family. What could you do to get more out of the internet together and further enjoy your lives online