Computing and Online Safety

In the new curriculum Computing is seen to be a foundation subject, vital in helping children understand the digital world around them. Computational thinking is more about teaching children problem-solving than coding languages, and the intellectual skills they'll gain will be useful for whatever they do in life.

In Key Stage 1, your child will have been given a solid grounding in the basics of computing, including understanding algorithms, creating simple programs and learning how to stay safe online.

In Key Stage 2, your child will build on these skills and extend their mastery of computers, as both user and creator. The computing curriculum aims to make children computionally aware, teaching them concepts (how to predict and analyse results, how to break a problem down into parts, how to spot and use similarities and how to evaluate) and approaches to help them problem-solve.

Computing in Key Stage 1

In Years 1 and 2, your child will be taught to:

· Understand what algorithms are (a set of step-by-step instructions for carrying out a function), how they are used as programs on digital devices, and that programs work by following these precise instructions.

· Create and debug (find and remove errors from) simple computer programs.

· Use logical reasoning to predict the behaviour of simple programs.

· Use technology to create, organise, store, manipulate and retrieve digital content.

· Recognise common uses of information technology in the wider world.

· Use technology safely and respectfully, keeping their personal information private.

· Know where to go for help and support if they’re worried about anything they see on the internet or other online technologies.

Computing in Key Stage 2

In Years 3 to 6, your child will be taught to:

· Design, write and debug programs that accomplish specific goals, including controlling or simulating physical systems.

· Solve problems by breaking them down 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 find and correct errors in algorithms and programs.

· Understand computer networks including the internet; how they can provide multiple services, such as the worldwide web; and the opportunities they offer for communication and collaboration.

· Use search technologies effectively, understand how results are selected and ranked, and be discerning in evaluating digital content.

· Select, use and combine 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 specific goals, including collecting, analysing, evaluating and presenting data and information.

· Use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly; recognise acceptable and unacceptable behaviour; identify a range of ways to report concerns about content and contact.

Online Safety

Online Safety is an important part of keeping children safe at Orton School.

Internet Safety Education is a crucial element of the curriculum and an essential part of young people’s development.  Online Safety is taught to all pupils as part of our Computing curriculum, explaining and demonstrating how to stay safe and behave appropriately on line. The Internet is a very powerful tool and a great source of information, but with that comes some dangers. Staying safe whilst online is more important than ever.