Technology is changing the lives of everyone!

Through the teaching of Computing and the work of the Amesbury eLearning department we aim to equip children to participate in a rapidly changing world where work and leisure activities are increasingly transformed by technology.  We help children to understand how computers work so that they can make informed use of technology and internet services and enable them to find, explore, analyse, exchange and present information, focusing on developing the skills necessary for children to be able to use information in a discriminating and effective way.

Computing teaching starts in Year 1 and continues until Year 8 broadly following the National Curriculum’s three strands:

Computer Science – the ability to problem solve and write, test and debug programs using fundamental computer science principles;

Information Technology – the ability to use technology to collect, organise, analyse, evaluate and present data and information; and

Digital Literacy – the ability to use online technologies safely, respectfully and effectively.

The eLearning department encourages the appropriate use of technology across the curriculum.  We provide 1:1 devices for older pupils which can also be used at home.  Younger pupils have access to technology in their classrooms. Staff use and promote technology as an integral part of teaching and learning.

The ability to use technology is a major factor in enabling children to be confident, creative and independent learners. Pupils will leave Amesbury ‘e-mature’, with the skills, knowledge and understanding to make effective use of technology on all areas of their lives.

Head of Department

Patricia Risley has a BSc in Computer Science from Exeter. Before becoming a teacher she worked designing and writing computer systems as a consultant for PwC. Qualifying as a teacher in 2003, she has taught ICT, and now Computing, in both the state and independent sectors and has supported teachers with the introduction of the Computing Curriculum.