St. Agnes ACE Academy

Transcription

1 St. Agnes ACE Academy Computing Policy Updated Autumn 2013 Review Autumn 2015

2 Introduction This policy document sets out St. Agnes School s aims, principles and strategies for the delivery of COMPUTING. It will form the basis for the development of COMPUTING in the school for the next year. This policy was developed in the autumn term 2013 by the COMPUTING coordinator. It was formally adopted by the governors and staff in the spring term It was reviewed in Autumn 2013 when it was decided that, in light of forthcoming curriculum changes, it would be reviewed again in Autumn Reference is made to the School s Assessment, Health and Safety, Internet, Special Needs, Gifted and Talented, Teaching and Learning and subject policies. Full details of our software and hardware resources, maintenance procedures and planning documents are included in the co-ordinators file. The vision and aims for COMPUTING at St. Agnes Our vision for the development of learning and teaching of and with COMPUTING is to provide challenging, dynamic and diverse experiences which enable children and adults to fulfil their potential. Our aim is to produce learners who are confident and effective users of COMPUTING. We strive to achieve this aim by: - modelling how to use COMPUTING with purpose and enjoyment - helping all children to develop the necessary skills to use COMPUTING to enhance and facilitate future performance. - supporting all children to become autonomous users of COMPUTING - teaching all children to evaluate the benefits of COMPUTING and its impact on society - meeting statutory requirements and enabling all children to achieve as highly as possible - using COMPUTING to develop partnerships beyond the school - Celebrating success in the use of COMPUTING.

3 Organisation of COMPUTING in the curriculum Children have regular access to computers and other technologies. From the Foundation stage through to Y6 they are taught progressive skills in using the hardware with the provision of software suitable to their abilities. COMPUTING is incorporated into the planning of most curriculum subjects (see subject policies) as well as planned for in its own right to ensure full coverage of the curriculum. Teacher Monitoring Children using computing equipment must be monitored regularly by the Teacher/TA at all times to ensure proper use of computing. Teaching and Learning Styles Teachers are expected to employ a range of strategies and to use their professional judgement to decide on the most appropriate (see Teaching and Learning policy) These will include: - using the projector and interactive whiteboard to teach the whole class or a group - leading a group or class discussion about the benefits and limitations of COMPUTING - individual or paired work - collaborative work in groups Activities using COMPUTING are planned in order to allow for different levels of achievement by pupils and incorporate possibilities for extension. Inclusion and COMPUTING Software has been installed which can be organised at different levels and programs provided which can include word banks and spoken text which may be more appropriate for children with particular needs to access the curriculum. Some intervention programmes also make use of COMPUTING. It may also be appropriate to provide a child with software or hardware to enable them to access the curriculum more easily. This will be considered on an individual basis in consultation with the class teacher and SENCO (see SEN policy). G&T and COMPUTING There are many opportunities for extending and broadening children s learning experiences through using the school s software and the internet.

4 Equal opportunities and COMPUTING Boys and girls are taught COMPUTING in mixed groups and have equal access to the computers. Resources are purchased which will appeal to both genders. There is appropriate and equal access for all children regardless of ability, age, gender or race. The portrayal of gender roles and cultures is considered when purchasing software. The Curriculum We fulfil the expectations of the national curriculum. We have recently adopted the Rising stars scheme of work for computing throughout the school which will fit into the new revised curriculum. This enables us to ensure coverage, continuity and progression throughout the subject. Assessment and Record Keeping Each class teacher is responsible for the record keeping and assessment of their class. Key learning objectives are identified in the medium term planning for each half term. These are assessed and reported to parents in Yearly reports, in line with St.Agnes general policy for assessment and reporting. Achievement of these objectives is used to inform future planning for classes and individuals. COMPUTING beyond the curriculum Extra-curricular activities for children Throughout the year there are opportunities for different ages of children to participate in COMPUTING clubs after school. Also a Homework club is available to children who do not have access to computing technology at home. Supporting families with COMPUTING Periodically there are COMPUTING sessions held for parents, either supporting their own skills or informing about the school curriculum. Useful websites are often included in the curriculum overviews for each key stage and on the school website.

5 Access to COMPUTING Within the computer suite there are computers to enable whole class lessons to be delivered. Classes are timetabled to use this room once each week. There are also two laptop trolleys (32laptops in all) to facilitate whole class, group and individual learning. Each classroom has an interactive whiteboard and projector which is linked to a teacher laptop. Staff Laptops All classroom teachers are provided with laptops to use at home and in school, for school purposes. These remain the property of the school. In the case of an extended absence from the school, laptops should be returned to be used by the covering teacher. Many of the laptops are used within the classroom to run interactive whiteboards and should, therefore, remain in school if teachers are attending training. (If a laptop is needed for training please ask technician for an alternative laptop). Mobile resources All classes have access to one Ipad; these can be brought together in one class when necessary. If a teacher would like a particular app applied to these devices, see the computing coordinator who will advise the technician. Managing Resources Purchases of equipment are determined by the school development plan. Decisions are made to enable all pupils and staff to have similar access and to provide a range of equipment which provide teaching and learning opportunities both for COMPUTING and throughout the curriculum. If you are aware of a specific need, consult the COMPUTING coordinator. There is a need to ensure sustainability in the resources we already provide as well as developing provision. Report faults to the co-ordinator immediately. Software Suitable licences must be purchased with new software. Consult the COMPUTING coordinator before purchasing software to ensure compatibility with the network.

6 Copyright and data protection Copyright laws must be adhered to. Do not make copies of software or use images which are restricted. See COMPUTING co-ordinator file. The network All computers in the school are connected to the network. There are network points available in each classroom and the staff room which can be used to connect laptops to the network. There is a 5G wireless network across the whole school as well. User names and passwords are needed to access the network. Those who need to access the server and printers will be made aware of their password. The default printers for the network are located in the computer suite, (or office if necessary). Roles and responsibilities Role of the head teacher - to facilitate the achievement of the vision and aims for COMPUTING - to identify the needs of individual members of staff - to ensure health and safety policies are followed Role of the coordinator - to raise standards in COMPUTING as a curriculum subject - to ensure statutory requirements are met - to ensure continuity, progression and differentiation in COMPUTING - to co-ordinate the use of COMPUTING across the school - to ensure the school s COMPUTING resources are maintained and used effectively. - to purchase and organise COMPUTING resources - to ensure that good practise is shared throughout the school. Role of the technician - to support the coordinator in maintaining COMPUTING resources. - To support staff and pupils in the use of the suite and laptop trolleys. Role of the governor - to be involved in delivering the vision and aims of COMPUTING. Role of the teacher - to use COMPUTING as a teaching tool. - to provide opportunities for their class to fulfil the requirements of the national curriculum by planning and delivering structured lessons. - to monitor, assess and report children s progress.

7 - to develop their own skills in COMPUTING. - to ensure health and safety policies are followed Role of the teaching assistant - to support the implementation of the curriculum. - to develop their own skills in COMPUTING. Role of the parent - to support the aims and vision of COMPUTING within the school - to foster the desire to learn using COMPUTING within their family Role of the pupil - to access and use COMPUTING as a tool to enhance their learning - to understand the role of COMPUTING in society - to use COMPUTING appropriately The Internet Refer to the e-safety policy, school filtering policy and internet rules Data protection Children s full names should not be used on internet exchanges. There should be no disclosure of addresses, telephone numbers or photographs linked to names. The School Website The St.Agnes School website is reviewed regularly. Health and Safety relating to COMPUTING Detailed directions for all health and safety issues are available in the health and safety policy documentation and e-safety policy. Key points to remember are - Keep work areas tidy, with cables safely stored away or secured to avoid tripping. - Ensure children or staff do not look at the beam of projectors - Ensure proper use of computing chairs by following computer suite rules. Policies relating to screen brightness, repetitive strain injury, seat heights etc. are also available.