At Calverton Primary School, we recognise that technology is an integral part of everyday life and will only become more integrated in our pupils’ lives as they grow. We appreciate that our pupils’ access to technology outside of school varies widely and we therefore aim to equip every child to confidently use all forms of technology. Therefore, through our Computing curriculum, we aim to provide our pupils with rich, deep learning experiences that equip them with the life-skills that will enable them to embrace and utilise new technology in a socially responsible and safe way in order to flourish in the 21st century workplace.

Computing is taught as an independent subject as well as being integrated into all curriculum areas, contributing to a broad and inclusive curriculum which supports and enriches pupils’ learning experiences, providing equal access for every pupil. At Calverton Primary, the core of Computing is Digital literacy, Computer Science and Information technology in which pupils are introduced to a wide range of technology, including laptops, Chromebooks and interactive whiteboards, allowing them to

• Continually practice and improve the skills they learn;
• become digitally literate;
• express themselves and develop their ideas.

With technology playing such a significant role in society today, we believe ‘Computational thinking’ is a vital skill that will enable pupils to develop a resilient, flexible, creative and adaptive mindset that will support them to become confident, active participants in a digital world.

Online safety – Today’s pupils are growing up in an increasingly complex world, living their lives seamlessly on and offline. This presents many positive and exciting opportunities, but also challenges and risks.

We feel it is vitally important to teach pupils about the underpinning knowledge and behaviours that can help pupils to navigate the online world safely and confidently regardless of the device, platform or app.

We endeavour to equip pupils with the knowledge needed to make the best use of the internet and technology in a safe, considered and respectful way, so they are able to reap the benefits of the online world.

We deliver online safety content within the curriculum and embed this within a wider whole school approach, whether during story time, through other subjects or specific e safety assemblies/ days throughout the year.

Calverton Primary school takes online safety extremely seriously, we have specific systems in place to support vulnerable pupils and we act swiftly to online bullying or other harmful behaviour.

We have an Online Safety Policy that provides guidance for teachers and children about how to use the internet safely.