Computing Intent
At Norton Campus, our aim is to give all children a strong understanding of the world around them whilst acquiring specific skills and knowledge to help them in an ever-changing world focussed on advances in technology. We also focus on developing the skills necessary for children to be able to use information in an effective way. E-Safety is also a fundamental element of computing teaching and technology use and we aim for all children to have a clear understanding of how to keep themselves safe online. Computing is planned into expeditions as case studies so that skills are relevant, purposeful and are linked to real life.
Our culture at Norton is that SEND is everyone’s responsibility and inclusion encompasses all students. Our common mission is that all children feel empowered to access the curriculum and achieve their goals through varied strategies, which are regularly reviewed with them and parents, to meet their equitable needs.
Computing Implementation
Computing is planned for in case studies across our standards based curriculum. As well as this, computing is dripped into our curriculum across the year in order for children to further enhance their wider curriculum experience.
The Trust is aware of the benefits that technology brings to education; this means that substantial money has been provided into ensuring that Norton Campus has the appropriate hardware to offer a broad curriculum. All staff have been supplied with a MacBook and an iPad. Additionally, each phase has a minimum of 30 iPads for computing lessons.
All children have a Google account at Norton Campus. This means that children have the ability to create Docs, use Slides and create questionnaires on Forms. They are able to collaborate with their peers and drive learning through critique. Having access to this software allows teachers to skillfully teach children to explore, analyse, exchange and present information. During the two closures in 2020 and 2021, the school was well equipped and able to deliver an outstanding online curriculum through our use of Google.
To ensure that E-Safety is embedded within the school, pupils at Norton Campus, have an ‘acceptable use of ICT’ policy, and E-Safety sessions take place in each year group as part of both Computing and crew sessions.
All children have signed and agreed to follow our acceptable use of ICT policy. However it’s everyone’s role to ensure that children stay safe online: parents, school and the children themselves. There is great advice for staying safe online for
Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1 children at:
https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/5_7
and for Key Stage 2 children at:
https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/8_10
There are plenty of resources and ideas on the link below:
https://www.saferinternet.org.uk/advice-centre/young-people/resources-3-11s
Computing Impact
Our children engage in learning that is made public to heighten accountability. This is manifest in the outward facing work they create which always has a public audience. Because student work is relevant, purposeful and authentic, this encourages students to craft their best work and grow their character. Computing is developing into a strong subject in our school. Our approach to computing in our curriculum results in a fun, purposeful and engaging curriculum that prepares children for the future. Our aim is for children to leave Norton Campus equipped with skills that help children use technology confidently and sensibly.