Intent

At NSN Academy, we believe a high-quality computing education will allow our pupils to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world. Computing skills are embedded across the curriculum with ample opportunities to make connections to the real world. The core of the computing curriculum is the development of Online Safety skills to ensure our students continue to be safe and productive while working with all aspects of technology.

Through the development of computer science knowledge, in which pupils are taught the principles of information and computation, how digital systems work, and how to put this knowledge to use through programming, we strive to inspire our future IT pioneers. Building on this knowledge and understanding, pupils are equipped to use information technology to create programs, systems and a range of content. Students have access to a computing suite, laptops and Ipads which allows them to apply their knowledge on a variety of devices.

Computing also ensures that pupils become digitally literate – able to use, and express themselves and develop their ideas through, information and communication technology – at a level suitable for the future workplace and as active participants in a digital world.

Purple Mash

At NSN Academy, we follow the Purple Mash computing scheme of work which allows students to apply their learning and deepen their understanding across all areas of the curriculum. Each year, students build on their understanding through a clear progression of computing skills with a focus on the use of Key Vocabulary in the right context.

Computing Progression of Skills

What do we teach?

Online Safety

The online world is posing an ever-increasing risk to children, and it is important that schools, parents and carers work together to take an active role in teaching children about online dangers. Learning how to act safely when using the internet is an incredibly important part of safeguarding our children. We are therefore delighted to share that Northfields St Nicholas have shown our commitment to protecting our pupils online by working with 2Simple in partnership with the Education for a Connected World framework.

The Education for a Connected World framework outlines eight key areas which seek to equip children and young people for digital life and the digital world. 2Simple’s 2BeSafe offers a comprehensive coverage of these requirements for primary schools starting from Reception up to Year 6. For each objective, students take part in 15-to-20-minute sessions containing activities to promote discussion, greater thinking and deeper reflection in order to raise the profile of the importance of staying safe online.