As technology is an integral part of everyday life, at SMPS we prepare our children for a future in an environment which is shaped by technology. We aim to develop confident, independent learners who plan, design, create, program and evaluate information through the use of computing.  Our computing curriculum is ambitious: we strive to attain consistently high standards across the curriculum.

Children's understanding and skills are developed in discrete lessons as well as in lessons which are linked through common themes. These skills are built upon over time and links are made across the curriculum to enrich the development of the key skills.

As well as the benefits of computing, we are also aware of the risks, therefore we prepare our children to stay safe online through a robust Online Safety Curriculum, with dedicated lessons,  as well as promoting online safety through the annual Safer Internet Day.  

Every class has access to a range of IT equipment including Chromebooks, laptops and iPads.  We encourage staff to incorporate technology throughout the wider curriculum and use these skills to research and present learning in a variety of ways. Pupils use a range of technology to find, explore, analyse, exchange and present information responsibly, creatively and with discrimination. They learn how to employ computing to enable rapid access to ideas, information and experiences from a range of sources, people, communities and cultures. Increased capability in the use of computing promotes initiative and independent learning, with pupils being able to make informed judgements about when and where to use computing to best effect, and to consider its implications for home and work both now and in the future.

E-Safety

Through our PSHE and Computing learning, we prepare our children to stay safe online. e-Safety is taught to all pupils explaining and demonstrating how to stay safe and behave appropriately online. Through these lessons, we explore how to stay vigilant when communicating online, the importance of privacy and being careful when sharing information, the reliability of information from web-based sources, the impact of cyber-bullying and how to behave appropriately online, and who to talk to if something is upsetting them. At South Milford Primary School we follow the SMART rules:

We also explore e-safety when we get involved in the annual Safer Internet Day. This is an important day to raise awareness of some of the issues linking to e-safety and for every class to participate in some activities and discussions around how we can stay safe online.  

Digital Leaders

To spread the word about e-safety and the importance of staying safe online, we have recruited and trained a group of Digital Leaders in school. These children will help to inspire the safe, positive and creative use of technology in our school.

Please see the links below regarding how to use the internet and electronic devices safely:

https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/#guides

Childnet - Childnet

Information, Advice and Support to Keep Children Safe Online (internetmatters.org)

Anti-Bullying Alliance | United against bullying (anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk)

Parent Zone – Parents' area