Supporting a smooth transition from primary to secondary computing

The move from primary to secondary school is a significant milestone for every young person. Alongside new routines, new teachers, and new friendships, pupils are also faced with new approaches to learning. Effective transition activities can help build confidence, reduce anxiety, and create positive experiences that set learners up for success.

For computing teachers, transition presents a valuable opportunity to build on pupils' prior learning from Key Stage 2 while introducing them to the exciting possibilities of Key Stage 3. To support schools with this important stage, the National Centre for Computing Education (NCCE) offers a range of free transition resources, alongside free professional development for teachers.

Free transition resources for Year 6 and 7

Available through the Teach Computing Curriculum, the Using the micro:bit for primary to secondary transition unit has been specifically designed to support learners as they move from Year 6 into Year 7.

The unit uses the popular BBC micro:bit to engage pupils in practical, creative, and collaborative activities. Through programming and problem-solving tasks, learners can develop their computational thinking skills while becoming familiar with the expectations of secondary computing.

The resources have been designed to be flexible and can be used in a variety of ways, including:

• Joint transition projects between primary and secondary schools

• Year 6 enrichment activities

• Summer transition programmes

• Introductory Year 7 computing lessons

• Cross-school collaboration opportunities

Using a familiar and accessible physical computing device helps to create an engaging learning experience while providing a natural bridge between Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 3 computing.

Importantly, these curriculum resources are available free of charge through the Teach Computing Curriculum, making them accessible to all schools.

• Resources for Key Stage 2 teachers

• Resources for Key Stage 3 teachers

Supporting teachers with effective transition planning

Successful transition is about more than a single lesson or activity. It requires careful planning, collaboration between schools, and a clear understanding of pupils' prior learning experiences.

To support teachers and school leaders with this process, the NCCE also provides a free online course: Effective Computing Transition from Key Stage 2 to Key Stage 3.

This professional development course explores:

• The importance of effective transition in computing

• Understanding the Key Stage 2 computing experience

• Building on pupils' existing knowledge and skills

• Planning meaningful transition activities

• Developing collaboration between primary and secondary settings

The course is designed to help teachers create a coherent learning journey for pupils, ensuring that the progress made during primary education is recognised and built upon in secondary school.

Book your space on this online course.

Or browse our other CPD courses?