Online Safety - Fortnite
Fortnite continues to reign supreme in the gaming world, drawing in millions of players with its bold graphics, fast-paced action and constant stream of new content. This guide looks at the latest developments in the game – such as themed updates, crossover characters and limited-edition cosmetics – and what they mean for young players and the adults who support them. It also unpacks some of the key online safety risks associated with Fortnite. With in-game purchases, cross-platform communication and regular seasonal updates creating an ‘always on’ experience, it’s vital that trusted adults understand how to help children and young people enjoy the game without being exposed to unnecessary risks.
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Nursery - Computing - Pumpkin Creations
Our computing focus this week centered on building digital literacy skills using the draw function on Purple Mash. The main task involved the children creating their own pumpkin art. To support their work, the children were provided with a digital pumpkin outline and had three tangible pumpkins available as real-life references for colour and detail. The children carefully observed the colours of the real pumpkins and selected from the available digital pens. Some children then chose to tap the screen to create controlled dots on their pumpkins, while others used longer, sweeping movements to create lines or circles. This activity successfully encouraged careful observation and allowed the children to practice fundamental digital skills, like using a cursor or finger for purposeful mark-making on a screen.
Reception- Computing- Skeleton Drawing using Purple Mash Programme
The children have used the purple mash programme to create a skeleton on the interactive board. The children selected the colours and tools they needed to make their own skeleton using language that we have been learning throughout the week. The children concentrated on the small features of their skeleton and showed great control with their fine motor movements. Some children created themselves and others created an animal.
Online Safety - Memes
They’re everywhere online, but do you really know what memes are saying? ???? This week’s #WakeUpWednesday guide explores the role of memes in youth culture - and why they’re not always as harmless as they seem. From hidden messages to misinformation, we break it down ???????? Plus, we share four simple ways parents and educators can guide young people to engage more safely with memes - encouraging empathy, critical thinking and healthier digital habits ????????
Nursery - Computing - Decorating Birthday Cakes
This computing lesson introduced basic digital literacy skills by having the children decorate a birthday cake on Purple Mash. The children successfully used simple controls for digital mark-making, developing foundational coordination on-screen. This activity was also used to encourage communication, as we discussed their chosen toppings and their likes and dislikes. A number of children demonstrated early navigational skills by learning to scroll through the menus and select different decorative elements for their cakes. They did a brilliant job of translating their ideas into digital designs, reinforcing their understanding of basic input.
Year 2 - Maths - Adding and Subtracting 1s
Year 2 have been working hard in maths, learning how to add and subtract ones. This lesson was extra special because it was the first time we used Google Classroom on the Chromebooks! The children did a great job navigating the new technology. We also focused on presentation, learning how to use the squares in our books to set out our work neatly instead of using worksheets. A big well done to Year 2 for embracing these new skills!
Year 4 Computing - Hardware and Software
Year 4 have been learning about all the different types of equipment that help make a computer function. We have been looking at the different types of hardware and software that we use for a variety of tasks and how these help us in our everyday lives. Year 4 had to put their learning to the test by working together in a group quiz - it was very exciting and some their were great displays of teamwork, discussion and listening to each other.
Nursery - Computing - Exploring Using Torches
In our computing lesson, the children had a wonderful time exploring with torches. They learned how to turn the torches on and off, which helped them understand the basic concept of control and cause and effect. The children's interests led them in many different directions. Some were fascinated by shining the lights on the roof, walls, and floor, while others enjoyed creating beautiful light displays by placing coloured scarves over the beams. A few children also showed great curiosity by using their torches to make shadows with toys from around the classroom inside a box. They explored how their movements changed the shape and size of the shadows. This hands-on lesson encouraged the children to be creative and independent while developing their understanding of light, darkness, and simple technology.
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Year 3 - What An Amazing Year!
What an incredible year it's been for Year 3! We've explored so many exciting new topics, from forces and plants in science to building castles in DT. In computing, we learned to send emails, and in French, we mastered greetings. One of our favorite lessons was hot-seating as characters from "The Magic Faraway Tree". We even staged two fantastic productions: "The Christmas Story" and, at Easter, "Roll Back The Stone." It's safe to say we've learned a tremendous amount and had a truly brilliant year!
Year 2 Computing - Binary Trees
Our Computing lesson introduced children to Binary Trees, an important way computers make decisions and sort data. They were actively engaged in questioning and building their understanding of these logical structures
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Year 3 - Times Table Rockstars
Year 3 has been diligently using Times Table Rockstars to boost their times table fluency and recall (or hone their multiplication skills, or master their times tables).
Nursery - Computing - Ice-Cream Creations
The children approached the interactive whiteboard with high levels of curiosity and engagement, particularly with the vibrant colours and responsiveness of the Purple Mash drawing function. For the newer class members, the activity provided a foundational experience in early digital literacy. These children primarily focused on the cause and effect relationship between their physical movements and the marks appearing on the screen. They explored moving their hands across the board, watching lines and scribbles appear, demonstrating an initial understanding that their actions directly influenced the digital output. Their movements were broad and experimental, indicating the very first stages of control over a digital tool. The older and more experienced children in the class exhibited more refined digital literacy skills and intentionality. These students actively attempted to control their movements to achieve specific shapes, notably working on creating circular motions to form ice cream scoops. Their engagement also extended to thinking about their design, verbally contemplating and selecting virtual "toppings" for their ice creams e.g., "I want sprinkles!", "Strawberry on top!". This demonstrated developing digital dexterity, early planning skills, and the ability to integrate imaginative ideas with the available digital tools. Overall, the activity successfully catered to a range of developmental stages, allowing all children to explore digital mark-making at their own level while fostering early computing and creative expression.
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