Computing Subject Intent

At Howe Dell, our computing curriculum enables pupils to leave in Year 6 as masters of technology and not slaves to it. We use the Keychain Computing teaching resources to help deliver our curriculum effectively and adapt lessons to the developing needs of our pupils. Our curriculum enables children to be creators as well as consumers; and our broad curriculum encompassing computer science, information technology and digital literacy reflects this. Building pupil knowledge in explicit computing lessons allows children to effectively demonstrate their learning through creative use of technology in a range of other subject areas. For example, when writing news reports; creating media for a purpose and digital posters.

We also understand the accessibility opportunities technology can provide for our pupils. Howe Dell utilises a range of technology to support children’s learning, allowing them to use technology: word processing apps, dictation machines and sentence building programmes. As a school, we also use Curriculum Visions digital books to support and enrich our CUSP resources and provide children with further reading opportunities.

Technology is everywhere and plays a pivotal part in students' lives. Therefore, we model and educate pupils on how to use technology positively, responsibly and safely.  We promote awareness of safe internet use across the school and embed this practise in all subjects where technology is used as a tool for learning. At Howe Dell, we observe Safer Internet day. Our pupils understand that there is always a choice when using technology and as a school, we utilise technology (for example, our closed Twitter account) to model positive use. We recognise that the best prevention for issues we may encounter with technology and social media is through education. Each year, children and their families agree to safe use of technology and school expectation by signing our e-safety user agreement.

Our children leave us fluent with a range of tools and technology to best express their understanding and have the independence and confidence to share their learning with others.

Online Safety: National Guidance

Due to kind donations during COVID-19 from current and past families as well as local business, we have brought forward the new whole site server to ensure our higher level of computer and remote access is sustainable during and beyond Covid-19.  This was planned for next year,  but server is bought through a number of individual generous donations and is being installed with a 7 year guarantee during the Easter Holidays. It is a much higher specification than our previous provision which lasted 5 years.

This will make a significant difference now and for the current Reception children until the time they are in Y6. 

Thank you.