COMPUTING
At Oakwood Primary Academy, we aim for our children to confidently and independently use and apply their computing skills to support and extend their learning. We develop a culture where the use of computing becomes second nature to our pupils, thus ensuring they are ready and able to embrace the technological advances of the future. Children in all Key Stages have access to netbooks, chrome books and iPads, and various shared devices. The children are taught using Interactive Whiteboards, visualisers, digital cameras, iPads, voice recorders, and numerous other technologies. There is a key emphasis on learning skills for computing; these will include programming, coding, debugging and exchanging information. Our children are taught how to access information, evaluate it’s suitability, store it, share it with others and tailor it to meet their own needs. Digital Literacy is an integral part of the curriculum, with children learning how to use technology safely. At regular intervals throughout the year children undertake E-Safety sessions on topics such as cyber-bullying or keeping information safe.
As you are aware, e-safety is embedded in our curriculum to ensure all children are able to make the right choices to stay safe online and know who to ask if they have any concerns. In this digital age, some of you might have concerns or questions about the use of social media by your child. The poster above may be useful to give you some ideas for having that ongoing conversation with your child about staying safe on social media. It is from the popular blog ‘The Ultimate Parent Guide for Protecting Your Child on the Internet’ (if you type it into google it will come up), which is extremely informative and well worth a read. Other useful websites include www.saferinternet.org.uk and www.nspcc.org.uk
Please do not hesitate to also speak to your child’s class teacher if you have any concerns or would like more information.
Children at Oakwood and Beechwood in Southway are at the forefront of using technology to enhance their learning, and that’s official! Following an extensive external assessment both Beechwood and Oakwood Primaries have been awarded the prestigious ICT Mark.
The award recognises each school’s success in developing the strategic use of technology in both administration and across the curriculum. Children at Beechwood and Oakwood are attending schools at the forefront of modern technology.
Mark Chambers, Naace CEO, said "The Federation thoroughly deserve the accolade of an ICT Mark accreditation. They clearly demonstrate how important it is to take a whole school approach to using technology in schools. We look forward to working with them to demonstrate how technology can have a substantial impact on learner outcomes in the future.”
Mr Mann, our ICT Subject Leader worked extremely hard to ensure that the schools was ready for ICT Mark assessment. In applying for the award Mr Mann praised all children and staff for the excellent ICT work that is taking place each and every day. “All the children and staff deserve credit for this achievement.” Thank you to Mr Mann and congratulations and well done to everyone!