Computing
At Broughton Community Schools we believe in giving the children the skills and knowledge they will need to succeed in our ever-changing technological world. We follow the Kapow scheme of work, which provides the children with well-rounded, interesting and varied lessons. Kapow is an online learning platform which allows teachers to stay up to date with the latest changes in technology. We ensure that the children have access to a variety of resources such as laptops, chrome books and iPads.
Our curriculum
Kapow's Computing curriculum ensures a broad and balanced coverage of the 3 main strands of Computing set out by the DfE in the National Curriculum. The strands are as follows:
Computer Science (CS) is the ‘foundation’ of the subject (i.e. the underlying principles that make up the subject). Computer Science covers the ‘how’. How computers and computer systems work and how they are designed and programmed.
Information Technology (IT) is how you ‘apply this knowledge’ and understanding to purposefully create and make things. Information Technology is the application of Computing. Ensuring your pupils can use a wide range of products and software to enable them to plan, develop and create.
Digital Literacy (DL) is about considering the ‘implications’ of how you going about doing this. Digital Literacy is about the understanding and implications. Why you are choosing to use something for a particular purpose. This strand also covers Online Safety, knowing how to use things safely, respectfully and responsibly.
Online Safety is a very important part of our Computing Curriculum and is touched upon in all computing lessons as well as a unit of work dedicated to it. Kapow follows the document 'Education for a Connected World' written by the UK Council for Internet Safety, which provides information on the knowledge and skills that children and young people should have the opportunity to develop at different ages and stages of their lives. Staff are also kept up to date with online safety information via Kapow. You can find our E-Safety policy here. Parents also receive information regarding online safety fortnightly attached to the whole school newsletter.
How can you support your child at home?
The best way to support you child at home is to ensure that you are up to date on E-Safety. We will send out flyers attached to the fortnightly whole school newsletters which contain relevant information about the latest updates you need to know. We also run a session by an external specialist for the children, staff and parents to get the latest tips on staying safe online.
Here is a video with 3 quick tips when helping your child to stay safe online:
Here are some websites that you may find useful:
- NSPCC https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/
- Safer Internet https://saferinternet.org.uk/guide-and-resource/parents-and-carers
- Internet Matters https://www.internetmatters.org
If you require any support or information please contact your child's class teacher.
The National Crime Agency's CEOP Education team have a website aimed at Parents/Carers as well as children. Parents can find advice about how to keep their children safe online as well what to do if they are concerned about their children. Children have games and videos they can watch about E-Safety in a fun and interactive but educational way.
Parents: https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents/
Children aged 4-7: https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/4_7/
Children aged 8-10: https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/8_10/
Children aged 11-18: https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/11_18/
The National Online Safety Team publish regular guides to support parents in keeping their children safe online. Here are a few that you may find useful. If you would like information regarding particular websites/games/apps then please let your class teacher know and we can will support you the best we can.