Subjects - Computing

Gacha Life - YouTube

We have recently been made aware, by some year 6 pupils, of concerns regarding an online app/game called Gacha. Gacha is an anime game which is aimed at primary aged children. Whilst the app itself is innocent, e.g. dressing up characters etc. there have been reports of the content being used to create inappropriate YouTube videos including references to, e.g. sex, suicide and bullying.

There are, sadly, people who post inappropriate content on YouTube designed to look innocent and appealing to children, often based on popular apps or TV programmes. While it is tempting to stop children from using certain apps or YouTube altogether, this is not always the best solution. Our advice remains as follows:

Follow the age restrictions for websites and apps. These offer a good guide as to whether an app or service is appropriate for your child.
Check and turn on privacy settings in apps and websites, and set up parental controls on your broadband service.
Don’t participate in any anonymous chat – turn off the chat option if possible.
Block and report any inappropriate contact.
Keep family computers in a communal area so that you can talk about and share what children are doing online

Most importantly, keep the conversation open with your children. Talk to them about what they are doing online, celebrate the exciting stuff (there is lots of exciting stuff out there) and remind them of the importance of keeping private information to themselves and not taking risks.

Helpful Links

ClevGuard - How Safe Is Gacha Life?

Internet Matters - What is Gacha Life? What Parents Need to Know

Subject Definition

Computing includes Computer Science which involves looking at a problem and using programming to work out a way a computer might solve it. It includes IT which involves using a computer to be creative or productive such as presentations, pieces of music, e-books, films, and animations it and it includes digital literacy which is about us learning to express ourselves and develop our ideas using ICT. Through E Safety we learn how to use all technology safely.

Computing Curriculum Map

Key Vocab

Vocabulary progression for Computing – 2023-24

Useful websites

Scratch - https://scratch.mit.edu/

KS1

Digital Literacy - https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/zymykqt
Information Technology - https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/zbhgjxs
Computer Science - https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/z3tbwmn

KS2

Digital Literacy - https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/zv63d2p
Information Technology - https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/zf2f9j6
Computer Science - https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/zs7s4wx

"3 Is" in Computing at St Andrew's

Computing 3Is On A Page

Intent

At St Andrews, pupils will learn to develop an in-depth knowledge on how technology works and is an integral part of their learning through providing memorable and engaging opportunities for the children. This will be encapsulated through the exposure to high quality resources and real world learning opportunities throughout their time in school.

In Year 3, they have been learning all about green sequencing to create a piece of music. Composers in the making!

Implementation

We implement this through a progressive topic-led curriculum, enhanced by both visitors to the school and project based learning opportunities to show skills and progression. As well as this, it allows the children opportunities to show their learning to parents at the end of each topic.

In Year 1 children will be programming Beebots and creating a simple program for the Beebot to follow.

Impact

It is clear that at St Andrews children are excited about the learning opportunities that they are given, and enthusiastic about using their knowledge of technology to enhance their own learning. This allows the children leaving St Andrews to be prepared for the technological age awaiting them.

The digital ambassadors have created a workshop for the school. They have been going around to each class and sharing the knowledge that they have gathered and helping to keep our school safe. Below is one of the posters that they use to spread the message of keeping safe online!

Key Concepts:

Provide a relevant, challenging and enjoyable Computing curriculum for all pupils.
Meet the requirements of the National Curriculum programmes of study for Computing.
Use Computing as a tool to enhance learning throughout the curriculum.
To respond to new developments in technology.
To equip pupils with the confidence and capability to use Computing throughout their later life.
To enhance learning in other areas of the curriculum using computational skills.
To develop an understanding of how to use Computing safely and responsibly.

Key stage 1 Pupils should be taught to:

Understand what algorithms are; how they are implemented as programs on digital devices; and that programs execute by following precise and unambiguous instructions
Create and debug simple programs
Use logical reasoning to predict the behaviour of simple programs
Use technology purposefully to create, organise, store, manipulate and retrieve digital content
Recognise common uses of information technology beyond school
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.

Key stage 2 Pupils should be taught to:

Design, write and debug programs that accomplish specific goals, including controlling or simulating physical systems; solve problems by decomposing them into smaller parts.
Use sequence, selection, and repetition in programs; work with variables and various forms of input and output.
Use logical reasoning to explain how some simple algorithms work and to detect and correct errors in algorithms and programs.
Understand computer networks including the internet; how they can provide multiple services, such as the World Wide Web; and the opportunities they offer for communication and collaboration.