COMPUTING

With technology playing such a significant role in society today, at Newton Farm we believe ‘Computational thinking’ is a skill children must be taught if they are to be ready for the workplace and able to participate effectively in this digital world. The core of computing is computer science in which pupils are taught the principles of how digital systems work and how to put this knowledge to use through programming.

At Newton Farm, computing is embedded into the everyday learning of all pupils so that they are prepared for the modern day expectations of digital literacy skills. We use Google Classroom to assist in delivering lessons as well as providing every pupil with their own Chromebook to access digital resources and learning opportunities.

Our latest investment in our journey of digital learning is the use of VR headsets to provide a much more interactive experience to the pupil’s education. We are consistently on the lookout for more innovative ways to enhance our pupil’s education at Newton Farm.

Children at Newton Farm have regular access to a range of technology, including laptops, iPads and interactive whiteboards, allowing them to continually practice and improve the skills they learn. This ensures they become digitally literate – able to express themselves and develop their ideas through information and computer technology.

We offer a curriculum that enables children to become effective users of technology and teach them to:

• Understand and apply the essential principles and concepts of computer science, including logic, algorithms and data representation.

• Analyse problems in computational terms, and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems.

• Evaluate and apply information technology analytically to solve problems.

• Communicate ideas well by utilising appliances and devices throughout all areas of the curriculum.

At Newton Farm we take internet safety extremely seriously. We have an Internet Policy that provides guidance for teachers and children about how to use the internet safely. Every year group participates in lessons on e-safety and children understand how to stay safe when using technology.