Computing

Here at Shiphay Learning Academy, we aim for a high-quality, experience-based Computing curriculum which has been carefully designed to develop pupils’ computational thinking skills in preparation for participating in today's digital world. We aim to support pupils  to understand and change the world through logical thinking, precise decision making and creativity. Our pupils become active digital citizens, participating in, contributing to and questioning an ever-evolving digital world. Pupils are equipped to understand, analyse and evaluate the use of technology to ensure they are competent, confident and responsible users to prepare them for their future workplaces, including those which may not currently exist. 

The curriculum is designed around these five key strands: 

• Information and Communication
• Technological Design
• Programming and Algorithms
• Understanding technology
• Online Safety

Information & Communication

Information Communication is the ability to effectively and critically navigate, find, evaluate, summarise, use, create and communicate information using a range of digital technologies. Developing skills in this area is increasingly important because it supports learners to be confident and competent in their use of technology in a wide variety of contexts. 

Technological Design

This area of the Computing curriculum allows children to demonstrate their artistic personalities and gives children the opportunities to explore ways in which technology can be used to design, draw, model and make. Children will be given experiences of different Technological Design from CAD design making 3D models to creating digital images. 

Understanding Technology

Children’s natural curiosity has always driven them to develop an understanding of the world around them and this is no different when it comes to understanding technology; both how it works and what it can do for us. From their first early experiences with technology pupils begin to make sense of how it works and the opportunities it can provide. Throughout their time in primary education, pupils now need to extend that understanding to include computer networks such as the Internet, and the services they can provide such as the World Wide Web. Where possible, teachers  provide practical, fun experiences that allow pupils to make links with their existing understanding of the world around them. In doing so, pupils will ultimately become much more effective creators and users of digital content.

Programming and Algorithms

Programming aims to teach children not to be simply users of technology, but creators of it too- Practical, creative projects are key to making sure that all children become computer literate.Programming encourages creativity, logical thought, precision and problem-solving, and helps foster the personal, learning and thinking skills required in the modern day society. 

Online Safety

Here at Shiphay, we understand and value the importance of the Internet as a learning and communication tool. It is therefore critical that we empower pupils to learn how to use digital technology responsibly and equip them with the necessary skills and tools needed to be digitally literate and savvy users. By giving children these skills we are supporting them with ways they can deal with risks that may arise alongside taking advantage of opportunities that new technologies can give them.  Our Online Safety curriculum focuses on teaching children the different aspects of our SMART with a Heart poster. 

Below are some links to further information about our Online Safety Curriculum and our Parent Online Safety Information page. If you have any further questions about keeping your child safe online, please contact Mrs Teresa Porter, Online Safety and DSL, or another member of our safeguarding team.  You can also find more information on our Trust Online Safety Policy.