Ready, set, code: top classroom resources to prepare for National Coding Week
National Coding Week is almost here, running from September 16 to 22, with a special focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI). This is an excellent time for teachers across both primary and secondary stages to immerse students in the world of programming and digital creativity. Whether you’re introducing younger pupils to coding or guiding older students through more advanced concepts, there are numerous resources and activities to make this week impactful.
Primary enrichment opportunities
While September may not coincide with your scheduled programming units, National Coding Week is an ideal time to explore enrichment activities. One standout is the Astro Pi Mission Zero, launching on September 16, where students can write a simple program to be run on the International Space Station.
Additionally, the reintroduction of Code Club provides another structured way to engage pupils with coding outside of regular lessons.
Another excellent option is the micro:bit do your bit challenge, where students can use micro:bits to tackle real-world issues, integrating digital skills with problem-solving. All these activities contribute towards the Teach primary computing certificate, offering further motivation to enrich your teaching and your students' learning!
Secondary enrichment opportunities
The enrichment activities mentioned for primary schools are equally relevant for secondary students. The Astro Pi Mission Zero, Code Club, and the micro:bit do your bit challenge offer engaging ways to celebrate National Coding Week. These activities can be seamlessly integrated into your classroom or used as extracurricular opportunities.
Additionally, Isaac Computer Science offers specific programming events to help secondary students hone their skills:
- Programming – Inputs and Outputs on September 13
- Programming – Selection on September 16
- Programming – Loops/Iteration on September 24
These events are the perfect starting place for students wanting to boost their understanding of key programming concepts.
Primary programming resources
For primary school teachers, the Teach Computing Curriculum (TCC) offers a wealth of programming units across year groups:
• Year 1: Moving a robot
• Year 2: Robot algorithms
• Year 3: Sequencing sounds
• Year 4: Repetition in shapes
• Year 5: Selection in physical computing
• Year 6: Variables in games
Secondary programming resources
The TCC also offers a wealth of programming units across year groups in secondary, including:
- Year 8: Mobile App Development
- Year 9: Python Programming with Data
These units provide a structured pathway for students to develop their coding skills, building a solid foundation in programming.
Professional development for all teachers
To support you in delivering high-quality programming lessons, a variety of CPD opportunities are available:
Online:
- Primary: Introduction to Programming with Scratch is a self-paced course that strengthens subject knowledge of the main programming concepts in Scratch.
- Secondary: Programming 101: An Introduction to Python for Educators provides foundational knowledge in Python, ideal for those looking to strengthen their programming teaching skills.
Remote:
- Primary: Teaching programming using Scratch and Scratch Jr is a full day remote course that looks at the main programming concepts in Scratch Jr and Scratch, and what to be aware of as pupils move from one to the other.
- Secondary: Python Programming Constructs covers essential Python concepts like sequencing, selection, and iteration.
Face to face:
- Primary: Programming with the micro:bit is a course centred around supporting schools to make the most of their new micro:bits.
Residential:
- Secondary: Getting Started with Python Programming is an immersive, two-day course in York crafted to deepen your Python teaching practice.
Pedagogy quick reads
Finally, don't forget about our quick-read pedagogy resources! These brief documents can help enhance your programming lessons and are available for you to reference whenever needed:
- PRIMM: A method for structuring programming lessons effectively.
- Pair Programming: A strategy where students work together to write a program, fostering collaboration and deeper understanding.
With the National Centre for Computing Education, you can make National Coding Week a launchpad for your students’ coding journeys, sparking their interest in AI and the broader digital world.