Computing & Online Safety

We believe that computing is an essential part of preparing children for life in a rapidly changing digital world. Technology is woven throughout modern society and we want our children to develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to use it creatively, responsibly and safely. Our curriculum equips children to become digitally literate learners who can create, communicate, problem solve and stay safe online.

Online safety is taught as an integral part of computing and wider school life. We want every child to understand how to enjoy the benefits of technology while recognising risks and knowing how to seek help when needed.

Our Curriculum Intent

Our aim is to provide a broad and balanced computing curriculum that prepares children for the next stage of education and for life in an increasingly digital world. Children develop knowledge and skills across three key areas:

Computer Science

Children learn to:

• Design, write and debug programs
• Use algorithms to solve problems
• Understand sequence, selection and repetition in coding
• Develop logical thinking and computational problem-solving skills
• Identify and correct errors in programs

Information Technology

Children learn to:

• Use a range of software and digital devices confidently
• Create digital content for different audiences and purposes
• Collect, analyse, evaluate and present information
• Use technology creatively across the curriculum

Digital Literacy & Online Safety

Children learn to:

• Use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly
• Understand acceptable and unacceptable online behaviour
• Recognise online risks and know how to report concerns
• Evaluate digital content critically
• Communicate positively and responsibly online

Through our curriculum, we aim for children to become confident, capable and responsible users of technology.

Curriculum Implementation

We use the Teach Computing curriculum to ensure clear progression of knowledge and skills from Year 3 to Year 6. This provides children with engaging lessons that cover all aspects of the National Curriculum and build upon prior learning.

Children have access to a wide range of technology, including laptops, iPads and age-appropriate software and applications. Learning is carefully adapted to meet the needs of all children, including those with SEND.

Computing is taught through:

• Weekly computing lessons
• Cross-curricular opportunities
• Coding and animation clubs
• Computing awareness events
• Safer Internet Day activities
• Dedicated online safety lessons and assemblies

Teachers receive ongoing professional development to ensure high-quality computing provision throughout the school.

Online Safety at Cordwalles

Safeguarding children online is a priority at Cordwalles. We teach online safety through dedicated lessons, assemblies and regular discussions throughout the year. Children learn how to protect themselves online, communicate respectfully and identify potentially harmful situations.

We use Google's Be Internet Awesome programme to help children become safe, confident and responsible digital citizens. Children explore themes such as:

• Keeping personal information secure
• Creating strong passwords
• Being kind and respectful online
• Identifying scams and misinformation
• Managing online relationships
• Recognising when to seek support from a trusted adult

These messages are revisited regularly to ensure children develop a strong understanding of how to stay safe online.

Assemblies

Children have opportunities to discuss E-Safety during assemblies, and they complete follow up activities/competitions.  See below some winning entries from our E-Safety competition!

Wider Opportunities

Clubs

Children can extend their computing skills through extra-curricular activities such as Coding Club and Animation Club.

Awareness Days

We actively participate in national events such as Safer Internet Day, helping children explore current online issues and celebrate positive digital citizenship.

Scratch Week

Children have opportunities to take part in focused coding activities using Scratch, developing their creativity, resilience and computational thinking.

Supporting All Learners

Computing develops important life skills such as problem-solving, logical thinking, communication and resilience. Technology can also help children with SEND to access learning, communicate effectively and develop independence. Computing lessons are adapted to ensure all children can succeed and make progress.

What Does a Typical Lesson Look Like?

In a typical computing lesson, children will:

• Review and build upon previous learning
• Learn and use key computing vocabulary
• Work independently, in pairs or collaboratively
• Use a range of digital devices and applications
• Complete practical tasks to apply new skills
• Develop problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities
• Learn how to use technology safely and responsibly

Children are encouraged to take risks, learn from mistakes and develop confidence in their digital skills.

Curriculum Impact

By the time children leave Cordwalles, they will:

• Be confident users of technology
• Understand key computing concepts and skills
• Be able to create, code and problem solve effectively
• Use technology safely and responsibly
• Understand how to stay safe online and where to seek help
• Be well prepared for secondary school and life in a digital world

Teachers assess learning continuously and use this information to provide support or challenge where needed. Subject leaders regularly monitor the quality and impact of the computing curriculum across the school.