Computing and E-Safety

Computing @ TSPT

We run a challenging and exciting Computing curriculum across all schools in the Spring Partnership Trust. We aim for our children to be confident, competent and discerning users of digital technology which will prepare them for participation in a rapidly changing world.

The National Curriculum for Computing (released in 2014) specifies that Primary Computing should include the overall areas of Computer science, Digital literacy and Information technology. To ensure progression across years groups and to guarantee an exciting and relevant computing scheme for all pupils, we have split these three areas into several streams: E-Safety, Typing skills, Algorithms & programming, Digital art & design, The Internet/World Wide Web, Digital sound and music and key Google applications. There are also some immensely fun standalone units such as Codes & codebreaking and Dragons Den!

Every week, children across all year groups take part in discrete Computing lessons. These lessons typically include quizzing, discussion, great teaching and a variety of practical tasks that the children complete using an individual/shared Chromebook. To ensure that teachers across the Trust deliver these lessons effectively, Computing Subject Leads across all schools meet regularly and provide ongoing coaching/support to all staff members.

E-safety @ TSPT

As a trust we have a strong commitment to E-Safety and ensure it is at the forefront of our computing curriculum. Starting in EYFS and building up to Year 6, we again aim to ensure that our pupils are confident, competent and discerning users of digital technology which will prepare them for participation in a digital world.

Our e-safety curriculum covers eight main themes: self-image and identity; online relationships; copyright and ownership; online reputation; online bullying; privacy and security; managing information online and health, well-being and lifestyle. E-safety is taught discreetly and is recapped through quizzing in weekly computing lessons, through regular assemblies and celebration events such as Safer Internet Day.

Our e-safety lessons have been designed with our pupils at the forefront and are tailored towards how they spend their time online. We will continue to adapt our lessons as the use of technology changes over time.

We use e-safety texts in each year group to encourage discussion, reflection, shape thinking and challenge misconceptions.