COMPUTING
COMPUTING
Computing is the study of how computers work and how they can solve problems. In primary school, it involves learning to create programs, use technology safely, and think creatively to design solutions. It also teaches key skills like coding and digital literacy.
At St. Alban’s, our Computing curriculum, based on the Teach Computing scheme from the National Centre for Computing Education (NCCE), is designed to equip pupils with the knowledge and skills to thrive in a digital world. We aim to develop confident, creative, and responsible users of technology who can understand and apply the fundamental principles of computer science. Through a carefully sequenced curriculum, pupils learn how digital systems work, how to create programs, and how to use technology safely and effectively. Our intent is to foster computational thinking, problem-solving, and digital literacy, preparing learners for future opportunities in an ever-evolving technological landscape.
Implementation includes weekly, hands-on, progressive computing lessons across all year groups, ensuring clear progression from Year 1 to Year 6. By incorporating engaging tools such as programmable toys and creative media, pupils are encouraged to explore, experiment and think critically within real-world contexts. Lessons and resources are continually adapted to reflect our ever-evolving digital world, ensuring that children develop the confidence and capability to use technology effectively and responsibly.
The impact of our Computing curriculum is seen not only in pupils’ academic success but in their ability to think independently, critically, and creatively. Our learners develop the confidence to explore new technologies and apply their skills across different contexts. By the time they leave our school, pupils are responsible, capable digital citizens, ready to use technology safely, purposefully, and imaginatively in their future learning and careers.
ONLINE SAFETY
In today’s digital world, keeping children safe online is more important than ever. The internet provides amazing opportunities for learning and growth, but it also comes with potential risks. By focusing on online safety, we can ensure children have a secure space to explore, learn, and connect confidently. Our dedication to protecting children online supports their well-being and promotes a positive and rewarding digital experience.
As part of Computing in our school - we aim to teach children about the importance of all forms of Online Safety. We are committed to teaching our children the importance of staying safe online. Online safety is embedded in our curriculum through our Teach Computing curriculum.
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As one of the main strands (Safety & Security / Digital Literacy)
The Teach Computing curriculum outlines multiple strands including computer science (algorithms, programming), IT skills (using software, media, data), and a dedicated ‘Safety and Security’ strand — which covers risks when using technology and how to protect individuals and systems. -
In other overviews this is referred to as part of the “Digital Literacy” dimension, which also includes how to use devices and software, communication, media creation, data handling — with safety / online-safety as a core theme.
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From the very first years (Key Stage 1), and continuously revisited
The curriculum expects pupils in Key Stage 1 to begin learning to “use technology safely and respectfully, keeping personal information private; identify where to go for help and support when they have concerns about content or contact on the internet or other online technologies.”
As they progress into Key Stage 2 (and beyond), the expectations grow — using technology responsibly, understanding risks, evaluating content, safe communication, digital footprint, data protection, and more. -
Integrated across computing lessons, not just one-off lessons
Rather than being a standalone “internet-safety lesson”, online safety is woven through computing units (and often beyond: in PSHE, assemblies, cross-curricular work). -
Part of developing responsible digital citizens and digital literacy, not just technical skills
The aim is not only to enable pupils to code or use software — but to produce learners who think critically about technology, understand risks, act responsibly online, and recognise wider ethical/social implications of computing (including emerging issues around data, privacy, cyber-security, new technologies, etc).
What that means in practice
In a school using Teach Computing:
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In early years and Key Stage 1, children learn basic habits: not sharing personal information, telling a trusted adult if something online makes them uncomfortable, understanding that not everything online is safe or true.
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Over Key Stage 2, they build deeper knowledge: secure passwords, safe online communication, evaluating reliability of online content, understanding what a “digital footprint” is, privacy & data matters, recognising harassment/cyberbullying or scams, and knowing how/when to report concerns.
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Online safety is also reinforced via assemblies, cross-curricular lessons, PSHE classes, and E-safety competitions — not just within Computing lessons.
Our approach also includes PSHE lessons and regular assemblies dedicated to online safety, ensuring consistent and comprehensive coverage of this vital topic. Each year, we join the nation in celebrating Safer Internet Day with engaging activities and discussions that reinforce key online safety messages.
Online Safety At School
Talking to your child is one of the best ways to keep them safe.
The internet plays a vital role in 21st-century life, supporting education, business, and social interaction. Computing and digital skills are essential for accessing lifelong learning and employment opportunities. In today’s digital world, protecting the online safety of our children is more important than ever. While the internet offers amazing opportunities for learning and growth, it also presents potential risks. By focusing on online safety, we create a secure environment where children can explore, learn, and connect without worry. Our dedication to safeguarding children online helps ensure their well-being and encourages a positive, enriching digital experience.
As a school, we are dedicated to ensuring that our children understand digital safety and know what to do if they have concerns or if a peer needs help. We teach children the skills to recognise the importance of caution when using the internet and understanding that not all information found online is factual. We work to prevent access to inappropriate material through robust online filtering and monitoring systems. We also educate children on how to behave responsibly on social networking sites, and provide guidance on where and how to seek advice and support if anything online makes them feel uncomfortable.
All staff in school play a pivotal role in ensuring children's online safety at school. If you would like to speak to staff about online safety, please contact Miss Cross via the school office.
The Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) statutory document explains the requirement to have filtering and monitoring in place at school. It states:
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Filtering should be “age appropriate”.
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Overblocking should not lead to “unnecessary restrictions” around teaching and learning.
Therefore, Smoothwall filtering and monitoring software is being implemented at school to monitor the online and offline activity of pupils against a wide range of concerns.
Online Safety At Home
National Online Safety Website
Parents and carers can access valuable and updated Guides to support online safety by visiting the National Online Safety website. Together, we can help our children navigate the online world safely and responsibly! Use the link below to access useful parent guides and podcasts:
Sharing information:
Does your child overshare when they are on the Internet? Do they know not to share personal information such as their full name or address online? Spend time talking to your child about what is safe and not safe to share online.
Age restrictions:
Are you aware of the content your child is accessing? Some content out there is not suitable for children. If children are playing games online, they usually come with an age certification but when accessing online content through a video streaming platform, this is not always the case. Encourage your child to ask you for guidance when accessing new content or websites so you can help show them if it is safe and/or suitable for them.
Gaming:
More and more games are regularly available for your child to access online. Online games may involve online chats, live chats or include pop-up advertisements that encourage your children to buy products or more lives. Regularly chat to your child about what games they are playing online and what peripheral content they might be subjected to. Websites such as Common Sense Media can also support you with keeping up to date with new games that are available and their age restrictions.
Online Bullying:
Children find it a lot easier to be hurtful towards others when they are online than face to face. Encourage regular talks with your child about how to be kind when they are online. When online, your child could also be a victim of bullying. If you do suspect your child is being bullied, talk to them and ask them to explain what is happening. All apps and websites have the ability to block and report users. You can use this website to find out how help to keep your child safe from cyberbullying:
Online grooming:
It is important for your child to understand that not everybody they meet online is who they say they are. Regularly review your child’s friends and contacts and ask them who they have been talking to online. Any incidents can be reported to CEOP
Screen time:
With an increased dependency on technology, it can sometimes be hard to reach a balance between screen time and ‘non-screen’ time. Encourage activities away from the screen such as playing a board game or going for a walk.