St John's C of E Primary School
Computing
Intent
At St John’s, our computing curriculum is designed to equip pupils with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to navigate the digital world effectively and responsibly. We aim to inspire a love of technology and foster creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, preparing pupils for the opportunities and challenges of the modern, interconnected world.
Through an engaging and carefully structured curriculum, we will:
- Develop Digital Literacy: Ensure pupils can use technology confidently and competently to express themselves, create content, and communicate effectively, forming a strong foundation for lifelong digital engagement.
- Build Computational Thinking Skills: Introduce pupils to the principles of logic, algorithms, and programming, enabling them to approach problems methodically and develop creative solutions.
- Promote E-Safety and Responsibility: Teach pupils to use technology safely, respectfully, and responsibly, equipping them to recognise and mitigate potential online risks while fostering positive digital citizenship.
- Encourage Creativity and Innovation: Inspire pupils to use digital tools to design, create, and innovate, fostering confidence and curiosity in exploring the possibilities of technology.
- Connect Learning to Real-World Contexts: Help pupils understand the relevance of computing in everyday life, from communication and work to entertainment and global issues such as sustainability.
Our computing curriculum aims to empower all pupils to be active participants in the digital world, preparing them for future learning and the evolving demands of the workplace. By embedding our school values within the curriculum, we will ensure pupils develop not only technical skills but also the ethical and social awareness needed to thrive as responsible, informed, and confident digital citizens.
EYFS Curriculum
Within the new EYFS curriculum the ‘Technology’ strand has been removed from ‘Understanding the World’ and has not been replaced with any updated guidance. However, computing and technology are still vitally important subjects to teach to Foundation children. Teaching computing within the curriculum ensures that children enter Year 1 with a strong foundation of knowledge. Computing lessons in EYFS also ensure that children develop listening skills, problem-solving abilities and thoughtful questioning — as well as improving subject skills across the seven areas of learning.
We live in a technological world and there is no escape from the reality that technology is integrated into the lives of young children. Just as we ensure the children in our care are ready for the adult world by teaching them maths and literacy, we should also make sure that they are fluent in computer literacy and all-important e-safety.
Primary Curriculum
Year | Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 | Spring 1 | Spring 2 | Summer 1 | Summer 2 |
1 | Computing Systems and Networks – Technology Around Us | Creating Media – Digital Painting | Programming A – Moving a Robot | Data and Information – Grouping Data | Creating Media – Digital Writing | Programming B - Programming Animations |
2 | Computing Systems and Networks – IT Around Us | Creating Media – Digital Photography | Programming A – Robot Algorithms | Data and Information – Pictograms | Creating Media – Digital Music | Programming B - Programming Quizzes |
3 | Computing Systems and Networks – Connecting Computers | Creating Media – Stop-Frame Animation | Programming A – Sequencing Sounds | Data and Information – Branching Databases | Creating Media – Desktop Publishing | Programming B – Events and Actions in Programs |
4 | Computing Systems and Networks – The Internet | Creating Media – Audio Production | Programming A – Repetition in Shapes | Data and Information – Data Logging | Creating Media – Photo Editing | Programming B – Repetition in Games |
5 | Computing Systems and Networks – Systems and Searching | Creating Media – Introduction to Vector Graphics | Programming A – Selection in Physical Computing | Creating Media – Video Production | Data and Information – Flat-File Databases | Programming B – Selection in Quizzes |
6 | Computing Systems and Networks – Communication and Collaboration | Creating Media – Web Page Creation | Programming A – Variables in Games | Data and Information – Spreadsheets | Creating Media – 3D Modelling | Programming B – Sensing Movement |
Impact
The impact of the computing curriculum at St. John’s will be evident in the knowledge, skills, and attitudes pupils develop, ensuring they are well-prepared to thrive in an increasingly digital world. By the time pupils leave our school, they will be confident, responsible, and creative users of technology with the skills and understanding necessary for future learning and life.
Impact on Pupils
- Strong Digital Literacy: Pupils will be proficient in using a range of digital tools to communicate, create, and solve problems, enabling them to engage effectively with technology in education and beyond.
- Confident Problem-Solvers: Through developing computational thinking skills, pupils will approach challenges with resilience and creativity, applying logical reasoning and innovative ideas to solve problems.
- Safe and Responsible Digital Citizens: Pupils will have a clear understanding of online safety and digital responsibility, allowing them to navigate the online world with confidence while recognising and managing risks.
- Curiosity and Creativity: Pupils will demonstrate enthusiasm for exploring new technologies and applying their skills creatively across a variety of contexts, fostering a love of innovation.
- Awareness of the Digital World: Pupils will understand how technology influences modern life and recognise its potential for addressing global challenges, inspiring them to use technology in meaningful and ethical ways.
Impact on the School Community
- Positive Digital Culture: A robust and inclusive computing curriculum will cultivate a school-wide appreciation for technology as a tool for learning, collaboration, and creativity.
- Preparation for the Future: Pupils will leave St. John’s equipped with the foundational computing skills and knowledge needed for success in secondary education and future careers.
- Values-Driven Learning: The integration of the school’s Christian values into the curriculum will ensure pupils develop not only technical competencies but also the ethical awareness to use technology for good.
Impact on Wider Society
- Informed and Ethical Users: Pupils from St. John’s will be informed, thoughtful, and responsible participants in the digital world, contributing positively to online communities and society as a whole.
- Inspiration for Future Careers: By fostering curiosity and confidence, the curriculum will inspire aspirations in technology-related fields, helping to address future skills gaps in STEM industries.
Through the computing curriculum at St. John’s, we aim to nurture pupils who embrace technology as a tool for learning, collaboration, and creativity, and who use their skills to make a positive impact in the world.