Computing

• Give children computer literacy so they can use these skills moving into the next stage of their education and adulthood.
• Create a wide variety of opportunities so that children can access the curriculum and teach computer science, information technology and digital literacy.
• Teach children about being safe, respectful and responsible online through  e-safety lessons.

At The Arcadia Preparatory School, we will:

Primary

The English National Curriculum is broken into 3 key areas:

Computer Science: creating programs and sequences using algorithms so that systems can complete a certain task. Understanding how networks and search engines work.

Information Technology: using a variety of technology to present, collect, analyze and evaluate different information. This will include using search engines accurately.

Digital Literacy: Understanding the benefits in technology but also where it doesn’t work very well. This includes using technology safely, respectfully and safely.

Secondary

KS3

Students in Key Stage 3 are given a variety of topics covering Computer Science, Information & Communication Technology (ICT) and Digital Literacy. They learn about digital design, how to program using both visual and text-based languages, and how to navigate the digital world safely.

KS4

Students in KS4 have the option to choose iGCSE Computer Science. This subject rigorously tests the students ability in a range of Computing topics such as computer systems, networks, data and digital ethics. They are also introduced to algorithms and programming to help solve real world problems.

Digital Learning

Arcadia is an Apple Distinguished School and has been recognised for our continued innovative approach to using Apple technology to enhance teaching and learning. This policy will outline the expectation of what each and every pupil at our school will receive as part of our curriculum. It will also set out the responsibilities and best practices in school in order to maximize the standard of digital learning  in our school.

At Arcadia School, we will:

• Provide students and staff with a variety of hardware and software to make the curriculum more engaging. All of our hardware is Apple based with the use of iPads, MacBooks and iMacs embedded into all areas of learning.
• Provide children with the opportunity to use innovative technology based learning in a variety of subjects and lessons to enhance their experience. 
• Teach children about being safe, respectful and responsible online through e-safety lessons. 
• Engage with the wider school community using technology as a key driver. 
• Give teachers the skills and confidence to use digital learning tools to their maximum by providing continued professional development. 
• Review our approach to ensure that we are constantly being innovative and moving education forward. 

Student Hardware

In Foundation stage we have a 1:2 iPad to student ratio.

In Key Stage 1 we have a 1:1 iPad to student ratio. These are provided to the students by the school.

In Key Stage 2 and 3, students’ families purchase an iPad for their child that is then controlled by the school’s Mobile Device Management system. 

STREAM

Primary students undertake at least 20 weeks of STREAM curricular across the year. Students engage in real life problem solving activities, hands on engineering programmes through Lego and Strawbees and early robotics coding through Kubo. The STREAM curriculum is cross curricular and builds on children’s day to day classroom learning.