Computing

Computing and IT skills are embedded within our learning right from EYFS where pupils have opportunities daily to access iPads and other electronically controlled toys such a Bee-Bots and coding critters. In Years 1-6, pupils are taught different skills in our weekly computing lessons in our specialist Computer Lab. We follow the Purple Mash scheme of work which covers everything from coding to word processing. Purple Mash is also used as a cross-curricular resource offering interactive games and challenges based around specific topics as well as Mathematics and English activities. If you do not know your child’s Purple Mash login details, please contact your child’s class teachers. In addition to Purple Mash, pupils are taught how to use Microsoft office and the internet.

Computing is further enhanced as often as possible through the use of a class set of iPads. Pupils can access these during lessons and use them throughout the week for research, Times Table Rock Stars Practise and time on Reading Eggs to name a few. Staff incorporate the use of technology including iPads into their lesson as often as possible. In addition to this there are 3 class sets of tablets which are used to access Learning By Questions (LBQ). LBQ is a website/app which has a variety of question sets for each core subject for KS1 and KS2 which the teacher sets as an activity within a specific time. LBQ is created in line with the National Curriculum and can be adapted by teachers to suit their classes.

Across the Primary School, pupils have the opportunity to attending Computing clubs. ICT is also used during intervention sessions to enhance learning, this includes using TTRS morning sessions, lunchtime comprehensions practise and Reading Eggs.

Online safety is becoming increasingly important and at Queen Elizabeth’s Primary School we teach this as part of our computing curriculum, as part of our PSHEE curriculum and also through participating in Safer Internet Day each year. During these sessions, pupils are taught the importance of protecting themselves online by keeping personal details to themselves, creating user names which cannot identify themselves, understanding that not everything is as it seems on the internet and that gaming online can sometimes have harmful effects. We also reinforce that once you post something on the internet is it there forever and therefore encourage our pupils to think carefully before posting online.

To support your child at home you should:

  • Monitor your child on any device where they can access the internet.
  • Check the sites your child accesses on tables and phones
  • Check your child’s text messages, photographs, Snapchat, Whatsapp and other chat functioning apps regularly
  • Talk to your child about what they are doing online
  • Discuss the dangers of social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Whatsapp, Snapchat, TikTok and Instagram

Helpful online safety websites for parents:

Our School Currently has subscriptions to the following IT resources:

  • Purple Mash
  • Learning By Questions
  • Times Table Rock Stars
  • Reading Eggs
  • Digimaps