"If we teach today as we taught yesterday, we rob our children of tomorrow"

                                                                                                       John Devey

Computing

Technology is an integral part of everyday life.  At the Forest CE Federation, 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 ICT.  As well as the benefits of ICT we are also aware of the risks, therefore we prepare our children to stay safe online through a robust Online Safety Curriculum, as well as promoting online safety through the annual Safer Internet Day.  We acknowledge that computing and e-learning makes a massive contribution to all aspects of school life, for pupils, staff, governors, parents and the wider community, in this ever-changing technological world.   

We recognise that children are living within an increasingly technological world and aim to develop confidence and knowledge in this area. Computing skills are taught and practised within discrete sessions so that they can be applied across the curriculum to enhance other subjects. Alongside the computing curriculum, aspects of Online Safety through the PSHE curriculum are taught.  As children leave primary school, we aim for children to transfer this knowledge and have the confidence to implement these skills in everyday situations.

Every child has access to a range of IT equipment.  We have just invested a huge amount of revenue into providing every child with brand new IT equipment. We encourage staff to incorporate technology throughout the wider curriculum and use these skills to research and present writing in a variety of ways. Each class has access to an Interactive Whiteboard, and teaching is delivered using this technology. Skills are covered through a rolling programme to ensure that children are taught the appropriate skills to support their development.  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.