At Horncastle, we believe computing can help make learning better, easier and more stimulating for children. At our school, learning computing begins in the Nursery with a range of fun hands-on equipment to play with. Children will have the opportunity to develop their understanding and use of the foundational skills, knowledge and understanding of computing they will need for the rest of their lives. Through their computing education, they will learn how computers and computer systems work; they will design and build programs, develop their ideas using technology and create a range of content as well as how to operate in a digital world both safely and respectfully. These important skills include using email, typing, saving, printing, taking and uploading photos and videos, internet searches, Online Safety and giving presentations.
We believe that Learning about Online Safety is a vital life skill. Empowering children at an early age with the knowledge to safeguard themselves and their personal information is something that needs to be nurtured throughout school to see them into adult life. We have embedded Online Safety into our curriculum and children feel confident using technologies safely both in and outside of school.
Although Online Safety education is an integral part of our computing curriculum and our daily practice, we also celebrate Safer Internet Day annually. On this enrichment day, all classes work to further develop their understanding of key risks and safe practices. We are also part of the Junior Online Safety Officers programme.
How is it right for the children at Horncastle?
Computing is a skill that is going to continue to shape the future. For children to fulfil their potential, they must not only be computer literate, but able to confidently apply computing skills to everyday tasks. We want to ensure that every child is able to access a range of hardware devices with the relevant software and use their computer knowledge to move forward, unhindered in their future career choices.
Internet safety is also a life skill, that applies for when the children are at Horncastle Primary School and beyond. Every computer lesson begins with a refresher on being safe online. This applies for every computer lesson the children will have from Year 1 to Year 6.
At Horncastle Primary, we want to produce confident and resilient learners who are able to consolidate and apply the excellent computer coverage and knowledge we will provide.
