Computing
For many of us - me included - lockdown has meant spending a lot more time in front of screens. Whether this be the television, the computer or my phone, there always seems to be some form of technology to hand. With this in mind, there are many wonderful ways in which we as a learning community can upgrade our computing skills. This might be actually making something (like a video game), learning a new skill (like typing or coding) or getting creative and creating a work of art.
During this lockdown, more and more people around the world will be using the internet at the same time than ever before. With this in mind, please take your time as parents/carers to understand what it means to keep your child safe whilst using the internet. The top content on this page will navigate you to the best pieces of advice we as school use for our eSafety policy.
Think U Know
Think U Know is an informative tool that helps support parents/carers, educators and children when staying safe online. The site is extremely easy to use for both adults and children as it is split into subsections catering or a variety of different age ranges. Handily, the information provided is done through case studies, bullet point lists and helpful images to support learning.
NSPCC - Staying Safe Online
The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children continue to be the benchmark for identifying the risks posed to children when using the internet. Their resources are wide ranging and cover both primary and secondary age groups.
Further information about staying safe online can be found through the Childline website - in a way that is a little more friendly language and accessible for children.
Finally, the CBBC have a great video resource explaining 8 top tips for staying safe online.
Rising Stars Computing
Rising Stars Blog have created a list of top recommendations of all things computing that you can do at home, whilst on lockdown.
Through clicking here, you can access a list of hyperlinks ranging from activities designed for children in the Early Years all the way through to our Year 6 children.
Bubbl
Bubbl allows you to create a mindmap online for free - although registration is required. As it is compatible with a variety of devices, you can constantly amend and improve your mindmap on your chosen subject. I would love to see if someone could make one about Minecraft!
Barefoot Computing
Brought to you by BT, Barefoot Computing offers a massive selection of activities designed to support home learning.
The activities, which can be found on the above hyperlink, offer opportunities to look at a a huge range of computing curriculum areas. Covering the primary age range and more, activities include trying debugging, programming or writing your own algorithms.
Tagul - Word Art Bubbles
Tagul is a Word Art generator designed to bring your adjectives, verbs and nouns to life! Just click the hyperlink and get typing. Once you are exhausted from showing off your vocabulary, click the process button, choose a picture and watch as your words turn from a boring list to a work of art!
Scratch
From the software that brought you Geometry Dash, Fifa Pack Openings and pirate versions of Minecraft - Scratch is the place for you to cut your teeth when making your own games. Combining programming, imports and debugging skills - this site allows you to make everything from animations to fully functioning games.
Registration is required but the software is free to use.
BeeBot App
A staple across our school, the BeeBot App is free on all Apple and Android devices. The aim of the game is to use accurate, precise and clear algorithms to guide the BeeBot from A-B. Sounds simple? It is - at first. Then it becomes harder, and harder, and harder. Are you up to the challenge?
The App can be downloaded, for free, from various App Stores. Here is the link to the Apple App Store.