IT & Computing

The subject lead for IT & Computing is Issy Rogers

At St John’s we aim to deliver a curriculum which educates our children in: how computers work, how to design and program a computer and how to stay safe when using computers. We provide lessons where children will experience and use computers in real-life situations which, we believe, will help children develop their creativity and their use of computational thinking.

At St John’s, our intent is to provide every child with a rich and engaging computing education that enables them to become confident, responsible, and creative digital citizens. Our curriculum is designed to reflect the Islington Computing Curriculum and Common Sense Education’s Digital Citizenship framework, ensuring that all pupils develop the knowledge, skills, and understanding needed to participate actively in the digital world.

Computing at St John’s is built around four key strands:

1. Digital Literacy and Online Safety – using technology safely, respectfully, and responsibly.
2. Information Technology – creating, organising, storing, and presenting digital content.
3. Computer Science – understanding how computers and networks work and applying programming skills.
4. Digital Media – creating, editing, and evaluating digital outcomes using a range of tools.

Our curriculum prioritises equitable access to digital devices, purposeful teaching of online safety, and opportunities to develop real-world skills that prepare children for life beyond primary school.

Computing is taught weekly across all year groups from EYFS to Year 6, following a clear progression of knowledge and skills. Teachers use the Islington Computing Scheme of Work alongside Evidence of Progress (EoP) documents to plan, deliver, and assess learning effectively.

• In EYFS, children are introduced to technology through exploration, play, and talk. They learn about devices in their everyday lives, practise early coding with Beebots, and explore digital art, photography, and data. Lessons embed digital wellbeing and online safety using stories.
• In Key Stage 1, pupils explore technology around them, develop keyboard and mouse skills, and begin programming using Beebots, Busy Things, and Scratch Jr. They learn to create, save, and retrieve work, and understand simple rules for staying safe online through Common Sense Media lessons each half term.
• In Key Stage 2, children deepen their understanding of networks, the internet, and data handling. They use tools such as Google Docs, Slides, Sites, and Sheets to create purposeful digital work. Programming knowledge develops through Scratch, Code.org, and Micro:bit projects, where pupils apply sequencing, loops, selection, and variables to solve problems.

Across all year groups, Online Safety and Digital Citizenship are woven through every unit, ensuring pupils understand how to use technology respectfully and responsibly. Annual events such as Safer Internet Day, Computing Week, and parent workshops strengthen the partnership between school and home in promoting online safety.

Our computing provision is enhanced through partnerships with the Islington Local Authority Computing Team and Three Discovery, offering pupils hands-on experiences, specialist workshops, and real-world insights into careers in technology.

By the end of their time at St John’s, pupils will:

• Use technology confidently, respectfully, and responsibly.
• Understand how digital systems and networks operate.
• Apply computational thinking and problem-solving to create and debug programs.
• Communicate ideas effectively using a range of digital tools.
• Recognise, respond to, and report online risks.

The use of Evidence of Progress (EoP) documents ensures pupils can demonstrate what they know and can do, while teachers can identify misconceptions and adapt teaching accordingly. Regular reflection and peer assessment enable pupils to evaluate their work and build digital resilience.

Our approach ensures that every child leaves St John’s equipped with the digital fluency, creativity, and critical thinking needed for the next stage of their education and for success in an increasingly digital world.