Our Computing and Online Safety Lead is Miss Newman.

Computing is used to enhance all areas of the curriculum and to develop confidence in accessing and processing information through the use of the internet on laptops, iPads, interactive whiteboards and in our computer suite. The main strands of the Computing curriculum are: Information technology (e.g. data handling and using multimedia), Digital Literacy (e.g. Online Safety) and Computer Science (e.g. programming using the three basic constructs of sequence, iteration and selection).

Information Technology will include learning about the use of computers for functional purposes, such as collecting, sorting and presenting information using a range of different software. Digital Literacy is about the safe and responsible use of technology, including recognising its advantages for collaboration, communication and search technology. Computer Science will introduce the children to understanding how computers and networks work. Programming will give all children the opportunity to learn basic coding, from simple animations in Year 3 right up to creating computer games and more complex programming in Year 6.

Children will be taught to:

• design, write and debug programs that accomplish specific goals; solve problems by decomposing them into smaller parts
• use sequence, selection, and repetition in programs; work with variables and various forms of input and output
• use logical reasoning to explain how some simple algorithms work and to detect and correct errors in algorithms and programs
• understand computer networks including the internet; how they can provide multiple services, such as the world wide web; and the opportunities they offer for communication and collaboration
• use search technologies effectively
• use a variety of software (including internet services) on a range of digital devices to design and create a range of programs, systems and content that accomplish given goals, including collecting, analysing, evaluating and presenting data and information
• use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly; recognise acceptable/unacceptable behaviour; identify a range of ways to report concerns about content.

Our Computing curriculum is taught through a mixture of unplugged activities (away from a digital device) and activities using digital technologies (iPads or in the Computing suite). This helps the children to understand the knowledge behind how computing processes work, which helps them to be more successful at applying their computing skills when using a range of digital software. We also enrich our curriculum with annual Tech-free sessions, where all classes complete their lessons without the use of any technology, by celebrating Safer Internet Day and by inviting STEM visitors into school to talk about their careers linked to technology.

Code Club

For those who are particularly enthusiastic about learning to code, a Code Club is run during every term. Year 3 and 4 are able to explore HTML and CSS coding, whilst Year 5 and 6 explore Python coding. The children are able to edit and design a number of programs, including an electronic greeting card, an online comic strip, a rock paper scissors game and a racing turtle game.

Online Safety

Online Safety is embedded into the Curriculum and daily life at the school and we are confident that pupils at our school have a good understanding of how to keep themselves safe online. Using the Education for a Connected World framework, the eight aspects of online education are covered:
1. Self-image and Identity

2. Online relationships

3. Online reputation

4. Online bullying

5. Managing online information

6. Health, well-being and lifestyle

7. Privacy and security

8. Copyright and ownership

We aim to give the children a varied and safe experience of using computer devices. In every year group, the children are taught the importance of Online Safety in discrete lessons every half term and are regularly reminded in all other computing lessons about the safe use of the internet for researching, collaboration and communication  and what to do if they come across something either inappropriate or uncomfortable. It is important that all children are aware that having open discussions about their online activity and technology usage with a trusted adult can help them to get the support they need as quickly as possible. Our children know that the internet has many benefits that should be explored and that risks can be managed in safe and responsible ways.

Online Safety Ambassadors

Each of the 12 classes across the school has a designated Online Safety Ambassador that attends meetings with Miss Newman (Online Safety Lead) and delivers any important Online Safety messages to their class. This boosts the importance of Online Safety across the school and reminds all children of the need to be safe and responsible when using online technologies. Their responsibilities also include:

• Leading Online Safety worships
• Leading enrichment activities during Tech-Free Sessions and on Safer Internet Day
• Sharing Online Safety guides/videos with other pupils
• Updating Online Safety displays in the computing suite and around school
• Gathering pupil voice from their peers about Online Safety

Parental Support and Guidance

We also invite parents to work with us on this aspect of the curriculum and aim to keep parents updated with weekly #WakeUpWednesday emails that include information from the National Online Safety platform that we subscribe to as a school. All parents can sign up for a free parent account to access additional content (e.g. videos, support guides, training courses) to support their Online Safety discussions with their child at home. Please follow this link, fill in the sign up form and select your user type as 'Parent/Carer' to access your free account: https://nationalonlinesafety.com/enrol/st-margaret-s-cofe-junior-school

Throughout the school year, Online Safety workshops are also delivered to parents to boost their knowledge of the digital world and support them with creating open discussions with their child about their online activity and technology usage. Here is some feedback from parents about a recent workshop they attended at St Margaret's:

"This session has been really useful and informative. I feel more confident to go home and allow our child to access technology for more than homework, having previously been too risk focused to allow more use." 

"I particularly appreciate the thoughts around positive role modelling from parents - it is all stuff we know but forget to practise!"

"I found the statistics quite shocking but very informative. Some helpful information was shared and I will definitely be monitoring online usage more closely."