FAQs

Do you offer training for Switched on Computing?

Switched on Computing is a really easy-to-use scheme of work. Everything you need to get started is included in the pack! We do however understand that some schools want a bit of extra help and guidance to implement it across the school.

Our publishing partners, HES, provide a range of training sessions to help implement Switched on Computing. All sessions are facilitated by a Switched on Computing training associate trained and quality assured by HES – including DBS checks. All training associates are experienced, qualified teachers, specialising in computing support for schools and academies.

Training Costs

Twilight session (up to 2 hours onsite) – £350 + VAT – Pick any one of the sessions
1/2 day training session (up to 3 hours onsite) – £425 + VAT – Pick any two of the sessions
Full day training session (up to 6 hours onsite) – £595 + VAT – Pick any four of the sessions

All sessions are run by our experienced training associates who are qualified teachers, specialising in computing support for schools and academies.

For more information, please contact HES via hsis@havering.gov.uk

How would you recommend delivering the units to mixed age groups?

The units are designed to work within topics and themes that you may already be teaching or planning to teach as part of a creative curriculum. Many schools mix and match the units depending on the topics for each year group, so for example teach a Year 4 unit in Year 3, or vice versa. There is no problem with this – the scheme is very flexible. So for a school with mixed Yr1/2, Yr 3/4 and Yr 5/6, for example, units within years 1 and 2 may be used across the two years (on a two year cycle) and the same for content for Years 3 and 4, and 5 and 6.

Is any software/hardware included in Switched on Computing?

The software and hardware referenced is not provided with the pack but each unit always references software that is free to download or that you are likely to own already. Any hardware referenced is likely to be in school already.

Do you reference apps for iPad and Android?

Yes, where appropriate new iPad and Android apps are referenced.

Take a look at this handy matching chart which shows you which iOS and Android apps we suggest you use Switched on Computing!

How is assessment covered in Switched on Computing?

Children are assessed against the statements in the Computing Programme of Study. Each unit includes assessment statements for All, Most and Some pupils, which are clearly cross referenced against the Computing Programme of Study statements. There is an excel-based Progress Tracker included in the pack so teachers can monitor progress.

We have also teamed up with MakeWaves to produce digital badges for Switched on Computing. The badges cover all the differenct areas of computing and you can create a free account with MakeWaves to start collecting your online badges.

Is there support for the less able and more able in Switched on Computing?

Yes, we have included guidance for children with Special Educational Needs in a section on inclusion. Extensions for the more-able are provided in every unit. The assessment support for each unit is differentiated and shows what all, most and some children will achieve.

Does Switched on Computing cover e-safety?

E-safety is embedded throughout Switched on Computing. Each year pack includes an e-safety checklist and pathway to allow you to see what children should be covering within a year and across years. Each unit includes specific guidance on relevant e-safety practices and, where appropriate, signposting to additional supporting content on the CD-ROM (for example, guidance on Acceptable Use Policy and letter templates for parent awareness).

Do I need all the new Switched on Computing units if I already have Switched on ICT?

You can still use many of the Switched on ICT units but the new Switched on Computing units provide much more detailed and targeted support to help you deliver the Computing Programme of Study with confidence.

Can I just purchase the new Switched on Computing units?

No, Switched on Computing can only be bought as a whole.

What are the new Switched on Computing units?

The new Switched on Computing units follow the same tried and tested approach as Switched on ICT. They include:

1.4 We are collectors

2.2 We are games testers
2.3 We are photographers

3.2 We are bug fixers
3.4 We are network engineers

4.1 We are software developers
4.2 We are toy makers
4.4 We are html editors

5.1 We are game developers
5.2 We are cryptographers

6.1 We are app planners
6.2 We are project managers
6.3 We are market researchers
6.4 We are interface designers
6.5 We are mobile app developers
6.6 We are marketeers