Computing & online Safety

In a world where technology is being used more widely and interactively all the time, South Malling’s computing curriculum aims to equip its pupils with the knowledge and skills to use technology safely to find things out and explore ideas at both local and global levels.

We aim to give children the skills and knowledge to communicate their thoughts and findings considerately, to recognize when something is unsafe or unkind and to know what to do next. Through authentic experiences linked to other areas of their learning, we aim to inspire children to work at their challenges with all their heart and extend their learning when away from school.

Online Safety in our curriculum

Education for a Connected World is the framework that we use for our online safety lessons. It focuses on eight different aspects of online education:

1. Self-image and Identity

2. Online relationships

3. Online reputation

4. Online bullying

5. Managing online information

6. Health, wellbeing and lifestyle

7. Privacy and security

8. Copyright and ownership

The framework aims to support and broaden the provision of online safety education, so that it is empowering, builds resilience and effects positive culture change. The objectives promote the development of safe and appropriate long term behaviour.

The Friends of South Malling have kindly paid for our subscription to National Online Safety. This subscription includes free online safety training for parents, staff and governors as well as many lessons for teachers to use with the children.

If you do not have a National Online Safety account yet- you can sign up with this link and you can also find the mobile app here.

Our Online Safety policy can be found here.

Pupils' Acceptable Use Agreement

acceptable use agreement children.pdf

Progression in Internet Use

Early Years Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1

At this level, use of the Internet will either be quite heavily supervised or based around pre-selected, safe websites. Children will be regularly reminded about how to always take care when clicking and to seek help/advice from an adult if they see anything that makes them unhappy or that they are unsure about.

Lower Key Stage 2

Children will now be given more opportunities to develop their digital literacy skills (e.g. sending polite and friendly messages online to other children, the need to create strong passwords etc). They will be shown how to develop a responsible attitude towards searching the World Wide Web and will be reminded of the need to report any concerns they have. The importance of creating strong passwords and the benefits of only joining child-friendly websites will also be taught.

Upper Key Stage 2

Children will now be encouraged to become more independent at researching for information on the World Wide Web, being taught the necessary skills to critically evaluate sites for accuracy and suitability. They will be supported in using online collaboration tools more for communicating and sharing ideas with others, including being taught the need for not revealing personal information to strangers. The aim is to teach them how to manage and deal with risks they encounter by themselves, whilst at the same time encouraging them to become positive users of both new and emerging technologies.