Free classroom resources to prepare for National Coding Week
Why is coding such an important skill for young people?
Day-by-day, AI continues to develop. It can already generate code in seconds. So, why do we still need to help young people understand how coding works?
Learning to program develops fundamental computational thinking. These concepts from sequencing and selection to iteration provide the foundation to understand whatever programming language or technology is being used.
Programming isn’t going away. As we look ahead to the upcoming curriculum changes, it remains an essential element of computing. In fact, in a world where AI is increasingly helping to write code, knowing how to question and improve that code is more important than ever.
National Coding Week provides a great opportunity for schools to celebrate programming. It gives more young people the chance to unlock the creativity that writing code offers. Whether your pupils are taking their first steps with programming or developing more advanced projects, we encourage schools to get involved. Celebrate what your learners can create and help inspire the next generation of programmers and digital creators with the resources below.
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.
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!
Explore all primary enrichment
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 programming events to help secondary students hone their skills:
- Programming - Inputs and outputs on 28 September
- Programming – Selection on 6 October
- Programming – Loops/Iteration on 14 October
These events are the perfect starting place for students wanting to boost their understanding of key programming concepts.
Explore all secondary enrichment
Professional development for all teachers
To support you in delivering high-quality programming lessons, a variety of CPD opportunities are available:
Primary:
- Introduction to Programming with Scratch is a self-paced course that strengthens subject knowledge of the main programming concepts in Scratch.
- Developing and supporting programming within your primary school. Consider how to move from algorithms to programmes, approaches to programming which motivate pupils and effective programming pedagogies.
- Developing algorithms and programming in key stage 1. Explore the fundamentals of algorithms and programming in key stage one. Consider progression, pedagogy, what programming looks like with younger pupils and how to develop computational thinking skills.
Secondary:
- Python programming constructs: sequencing, selection and iteration develops your foundational knowledge around the Python language so that you can support your students in their programming journey.
- Python programming: working with data. In this course you’ll learn about data types, and how data structures are manipulated in Python programs. It will help you stretch your top end students who want to know more about programming and using data.
- Getting started with Python programming - residential, start your journey with Python programming, this two day residential will support you with learning the language, up to GCSE level.
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.