At Rowena Academy our aim is to provide a high-quality computing education which is fully inclusive and accessible to every child.  Our structured, progressive approach to computing equips our children with the skills necessary to become digitally literate, responsible, competent, confident and creative participants in the rapidly developing and changing technological world. Our teaching covers all three elements of computing: Computer Science, Information Technology, and Digital Literacy during weekly computing lessons.

Pupils are introduced to a wide range of technology including laptops, computers, tablets, cameras, CD players, Tonieboxes, remote controlled toys and interactive whiteboards/televisions, allowing them to continually practice and improve the skills they learn. Our curriculum encourages children to make deeper links with Mathematics, English, Art and Design, Science, and Design and Technology. We ensure our pupils understand how to be safe and responsible users of technology. This is both inside and outside of school.

At Rowena Academy we recognise that the digital world is vast, exciting and forever evolving, therefore it is imperative that all teachers receive the most up to date training which reflects current research and advances in technology. Our curriculum prepares our children to stay safe online through our e-safety awareness computing sessions and our annual whole school Safer Internet Day celebration. We work with pupils’ families to ensure our pupils know what to do to keep safe online. We share how to deal with any problems and what they should do if they are concerned or worried.

In Nursery, the pupils experience technological equipment as part of focus activities. This is also done as enhancements throughout daily provision in the classroom. The children are encouraged to use simple equipment. This is done through modelling and investigation. The equipment includes remote controlled toys, cameras, interactive screens, Tonieboxes and tablets. We encourage families to help develop the children’s understanding of technology. Pupils’ complete challenges at home which we can’t always provide at school. For example, pressing a button at a crossing to activate the change of traffic lights.

In Reception, pupils have access to a range of technology such as cameras, individual tablets, Tonieboxes, remote controlled toys and interactive screens. They use and investigate these during continuous provision. Pupils use and explore a range of age-appropriate programs with purpose and are taught how to program simple software. Pupils in Reception are introduced to online safety. They are taught simple strategies of how to keep themselves safe whilst online.

In Key Stage 1, pupils select and use technology purposefully using a range of technology such as individual tablets, Tonieboxes, remote controlled toys and interactive screens. They build on their prior introduction to online safety. Pupils are exposed to and start to understand algorithms. They begin to create and debug simple, age-appropriate programs.