Computing
Pupils use a variety of different tools, including tablets and laptops, to explore various ways of researching, exploring and presenting work.
They learn how to employ ICT skills to enable rapid access to ideas and experiences from a wide range of people, communities and cultures.
These devices are fully portable, and are used throughout the school site to enhance learning in every subject, and they utilise the Wi-Fi, both within the classrooms and outside areas, such as the forest school.
Each classroom is fitted with an interactive whiteboard and has a number of class iPads, which are used to support all areas of the curriculum, and each child has a Microsoft Teams login. This enables work to be set online and allows children to access teaching and learning wherever they are. It also allows them to interact with their teachers and receive feedback on work completed online.
Through our computing curriculum, pupils experience a wide breadth of study, looking at hardware and software, programming, internet safety and word processing skills. This allows them to see the benefits of technology and how to really make the most of the technology rich world we now live in.
Pupils are taught computing through whole-class and group teaching, which may involve presentations and practical activities. It is taught both as a discrete subject and as an aid to support learning across the curriculum, for example researching of topics that are being taught.
To ensure that we are covering all areas of the curriculum, we use resources from the National Centre for Computing Education (NCCE). This allows us to keep all children on track as they work their way through the years at Orchard Vale.
We take internet safety very seriously at Orchard Vale. We have a clear policy that we all follow when teaching. This ensures that children understand the importance of keeping themselves safe online, and what they can do to minimise any potential risks. This policy is available for you to read if you would like to know more.