Computing
At Haseltine, learners become autonomous and independent users of technology who can apply their skills across the curriculum. By the time they leave Haseltine, children will have gained key knowledge and skills in the three main areas of the computing curriculum: computer science (programming and understanding how digital systems work), information technology (using computer systems to store, retrieve and send information) and digital literacy (evaluating digital content and using technology safely and respectfully). The objectives within each strand support the development of learning across the key stages, ensuring a solid grounding for secondary school and beyond.
With power comes responsibility. The first unit of each academic year is Online Safety, ensuring our learners understand the risks involved with using devices that can connect us with anyone, anywhere, and know how to deal with unexpected situations. At Haseltine, we use the Kapow scheme of learning as a starting point for planning our computing lessons. Knowledge and skills are mapped across each topic and year group to ensure systematic progression. We have a computing suite and sets of iPads, Chromebooks and microbits to ensure that all year groups have the opportunity to use a range of devices and programs for a variety of purposes across the wider curriculum, as well as in discrete computing lessons.
It is said that teachers are preparing children to do jobs that have not been created yet. This is especially true with computing, with the ways that technology is used are constantly changing and evolving. With this in mind, it is essential that children can see themselves represented in the computing curriculum and as potential pioneers in the field. We do this through aspirational events such as our yearly careers fair, by ensuring that celebrated significant figures reflect the diversity of our school, and through our Digital Leaders. Our Digital Leaders are representatives from each class (voted for by their peers) who are in charge of liaising with the Head of Computing and compiling a portfolio of their class’s learning each half term.
Digital Leader
Digital Leaders
Your child’s class digital leader …
- is responsible for recording the class’s computing learning in the Big Book, and will work collaboratively with their year group digital leader to do this
- will meet Miss Harris (computing lead) to discuss their class’s computing learning
- will raise any issues they are aware of with their class teacher or another appropriate adult
As well as teaching computing skills and knowledge discretely, we also use technology to support any other areas of the curriculum. For example, we use data loggers and microbits in science, word processors to publish writing, iPads to conduct research and apps like Mathletics to support our pupils’ learning at home.ching computing skills and knowledge discretely, we also use technology to support any other areas of the curriculum. For example, we use data loggers and microbits in science, word processors to publish writing, iPads to conduct research and apps like Mathletics to support our pupils’ learning at home.
View Haseltine’s Computing Curriculum here
Would you like resources to help you ensure your child’s safe use of technology? Check out our Online Safety Padlet ! It is full of useful sites and information to support you in keeping your child as safe as possible while using the internet. Of course, nothing can replace frequent adult supervision.
The London Grid for Learning
The London Grid for Learning
Each child at Haseltine has their own log in details for the London Grid for Learning (LGFL). This allows them to send emails to their peers, blog about their learning, search for pictures that are copyright free and access apps that are suitable and useful for their learning.
All of this is done with the safety of the LGFL security settings and class teacher monitoring to ensure the children are communicating and sharing in a safe environment.
