ICT and Computing

Objective 1: To ensure ICT and digital content is embedded across the whole curriculum. 

The impact of the recent pandemic has resulted in schools having to catch up with key areas of learning. A detrimental effect of this is that several core and foundation subjects may not be given the time and focus that they would have been in previous years. As a result of this, we feel that computing curriculum points can be met within the teaching of other subjects. This can be made possible by developing our own projects based upon the medium term plans of specific year groups and through CPD sessions that introduce activities that can meet key curriculum points whilst having a broad range of application. Furthermore, developing ‘digital displays’ across the school can efficiently and effectively provide a snapshot to the learning at Dale Hall whilst at the same time promoting key computing skills. Moreover, I feel that increasing the opportunities that pupils have to produce work digitally can have a positive effect on their learning. Much focus has been placed upon pupils being ‘life ready’ and I feel that there is currently a disparity between the computing skills used within primary school compared to the skills pupils are expected to use beyond their time in primary school. 

Objective 2: To produce and implement digital protocols that allow staff to communicate effectively. 

The introduction of Class Dojo and Home Communication Logs has gone some way to bridge the gaps between teachers, parents and other members of staff. Developing means of communication that can be stored virtually, as well as allowing access to those who need to be ensures that all parties are well informed. Many of the resources that can be used to make this possible are already being accessed- I feel that showing staff and parents how to use these tools would be invaluable in providing transparency.

Objective 3: To establish wider community links to ensure that the provision of computing at Dale Hall is up to date and of a high quality. 

The prevalence of STEM jobs has increased substantially over recent years, and there are more and more opportunities to have experts come in and show children how computing works in the ‘real world’. We feel that by working with local companies we can provide children with a unique educational opportunity. However, we are also strong advocates of being affiliated with Computing At Schools (CAS) and taking advantage of the wide range of resources that they offer. CAS has established links to an array of companies, each of which have provided projects, schemes of work and activities that further pupils knowledge of computing. 

What is Computing at Dale Hall?

At Dale Hall Community Primary School, we are aiming towards using computing daily, in all different subjects. Computing helps us learn skills and gets us ready for our future work-life. We do not want children to see Computing as one subject, but rather a key skill that can be used across all manner of disciplines. As the technological world keeps advancing, we feel that it is our duty as educators to ensure that pupils develop digital literacy from a young age.

How do we keep pupils safe online? 

Computing is always supervised by adults so that everyone is safe; learning how to be safe online is our priority. Our aim is to keep children safe online and give them the knowledge to be able to do so. We are taught to act sensibly, respectfully and responsibly and know what actions should be taken if anything inappropriate happens online. The teachers also provide parents and carers with up-to-date information so that everyone can work together in keeping children safe online.

Listen to Radio Suffolk to talk to PC Mike Small, Mrs Allum and some children and parents about e-safety. Have a listen ... (2hrs 24mins)

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p080zk3f