"Everybody in this country should learn how to program a computer... because it teaches you how to think."
- Steve Jobs
How Computing supports our school's vision:
Computing is such an important life skill.
We want our children to be inquisitive and to show a commitment to the 'why', not just the 'how' and by doing so, become resilient problem solvers and have the confidence to try and try again. We strive to create a love of questioning and investigation so that children can experience the magic that this subject can create.
Technology is part of everyday life and for most of us, is essential to our lives at home and at work. At Aberford C of E Primary, we learn vital Computing skills and knowledge as well as ensuring technology is embedded throughout the curriculum.
Our aims for Computing
Our aims of the Computing Curriculum are to equip future generations with the necessary skills for adult life and employment within the ever-changing technological environment we live in. Pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is vital in achieving this, therefore here at Aberford C of E Primary School, we have ensured our Computing curriculum provides opportunities where children:
• understand the ethical guidelines of using the internet safely, valuing their own identity,
• appreciate and respect advances in technology to enable them to reflect on experiences when learning about the world around them,
• actively support each other in challenging problem-solving situations where design, programming and construction is essential
Purple Mash
At Aberford, most of our computing curriculum is taught using Purple Mash. Purple Mash is an award-winning cross-curricular website for nursery and primary school children. It enables children to explore and enhance their knowledge in a fun and creative way at school and at home covering many areas of the National Curriculum. Purple Mash gives access to activities such as online mark making and painting, games, design and number fun!
Your child's log in details are in their homework books.
As the children move into Upper Key Stage 2, our computer science (coding lessons) are taught through Scratch.
Some of our computing curriculum is also taught using apps on our iPads.
Where possible, we have made our computing curriculum cross curricular and make links with other subject areas.
Computing - Long Term Plans and Progression
Vocabulary Progression
If you have any questions regarding the curriculum we teach, please contact the school directly.
Online Safety
Technology is moving quickly.
Online-Safety is an important part of keeping children safe at Aberford C of E Primary School. We have extensive security measures in place in school, which are monitored both internally and externally, to help safeguard pupils from potential dangers or unsuitable material. Any Online-Safety incidents are recorded and managed.
Online-Safety is regularly taught in all classes each half term. We ensure that our children are taught how to stay safe and behaving appropriately online. The children are taught e-safety under the following strands:
We can only be successful in keeping children safe online if we work with parents to ensure the Online-Safety message is consistent. It's vital that parents/carers, teachers, anyone supporting the learning of children today are up-to-date with new technologies and actively look for resources to help ensure that children are using technology, including the internet, safely. It is important that parents speak to their children about how they can keep safe and behave appropriately online. We constantly update this page with parental support guides however, if you have any concerns about your child's online safety, please see a member of staff as soon as possible.
Online Safety
Digital Footprint
“Growing up has never been easy, but today the virtual world presents a whole set of new risks. Young people live in an always-on, social, digital and connected world, and it’s the only world they’ve ever known. While the internet brings amazing opportunities for young people to learn, create and socialise, it is our duty to help them navigate this online world safely. Young people must recognise that every click, every post, every purchase and every photo we upload leaves a digital footprint.”
- UK Minister for Internet Safety and Security
Screen Time
Balanced use of screens can offer children key benefits to help them to learn, explore and interact with the world around them. Get simple tips below to put balance and purpose behind screen time to help young children benefit from their screen use.
Recommended books about Online Safety
Useful websites
Click on the images below for recommended websites with further information.
Parent Guides
Children’s use of the internet is becoming more mobile and interactive offering young people more opportunities to interact and meet new people, so it’s never been more important to make sure you are helping your child stay safe in the digital world. Knowing about the websites and games your children play on is crucial in helping them to stay safe.
Below, there is a list of Parent Guides to help you understand the risks and how to manage them. For additional guides, please click the icons below.
Parent Factsheets