Computing is a subject of constant discovery. Each and every day, technology progresses and the opportunities for learning expand. We believe in using technology to enhance learning and inspire creativity. We have visited the Pyramids in Egypt, Kruger National Park in Africa and even the entire Milky Way, all through the use of Virtual Reality! The fun doesn’t stop there. We use augmented reality to take an up close look at minibeasts and even make our own drawings come to life! We are always looking for new and exciting ways to enhance learning through technology. After Miss Alsop’s visit to the Bett Show in London, we invested in some new touch-screen Chromebooks and they made an immediate positive impact on learning.
In our ever-changing world, we intend to equip our children with the necessary skills to use technology safely and efficiently. All children in school are given their own Google school account which they can access with ease through our Chromebooks. Children are able to learn about the importance of safe passwords, appropriate use of emails and much more. We also take full advantage of the use of Google Classroom. Children can easily collaborate with each other, working on a project individually, in small groups or even as a whole class at a time! Our teachers can use their Google Classroom to set assignments, quizzes and projects and easily give live feedback to the children as they work.
We make it our mission to ensure that we consistently promote the safe use of technology and the internet. Early Years and Key Stage 1 use a range of resources such as Lee and Kim to promote online safety in an age-appropriate way. In Key Stage 2, we follow the Google Internet Legends scheme to ensure our teaching of online safety is as relevant and in-depth as possible. Children can access the Interland website which challenges thinking in a fun and engaging way. We celebrate Internet Safety Day every year and this year we dedicated our whole day to computing, using microbits, creating green screen videos and even creating musical vegetables!
In Key Stage 2, our eCadets take a leading role in promoting online safety around school. Each term, they take on three missions on topics such as screen time, online gaming and live streaming. They prepare lessons and presentations in an after school club and arrange time to teach in their own classes. Since the launch of eCadets in school, we have risen through the ranks and been promoted several times and aim to be eCadets embassadors in the near future!
As part of our drive for aspirations, our children will have the chance to meet professionals from the world of computing, such as employees from Raspberry Pi, to give them a glimpse into a day in the life of a coding professional!
To see our Computing lessons in action, visit our Twitter page.
