KS3 computing (module 2): Creative curriculum content, sequencing and pedagogy

CO248 Online course

Develop a knowledge-based curriculum for excellent in KS3, supported by the most effective teaching approaches.

Leadership Key stage 3 Teach secondary computing certificate

Free online course 5 hours

During this course, you’ll explore the optimal sequence for teaching concepts, the benefits of interleaving for long-term knowledge retention, and strategies for developing student understanding at pace while avoiding cognitive overload. You'll integrate proven techniques such as retrieval practice and peer instruction to embed assessment throughout the curriculum, enhancing both learning and teacher confidence in assessing progress.

To strengthen your curriculum, you'll examine effective pedagogy, including direct instruction and semantic waves, and explore the role of high-quality questioning in the computing classroom. You'll also discover simple, free, and time-saving techniques to improve teaching across your department. Finally, you'll take a deeper dive into programming pedagogy, ensuring students are well-prepared for the demands of GCSE Computer Science.

Who is it for?

This course is aimed at subject leaders of computing and teachers with responsibility for the KS3 computing curriculum.

Topics covered

01 | Sequencing – Identifying essential knowledge is one step; teaching it in a structured sequence to support knowledge building and application is another. This section explores long- and medium-term curriculum planning, linking topics to develop flexible understanding.

02 | Assessment in the curriculum – Explore assessment techniques that support knowledge development and progress monitoring. This section covers retrieval practice, peer-supported learning, and effective use of formative and summative assessment, while introducing free, quality-assured tools to save time and reduce workload.

03 | Effective pedagogy – Enhance your curriculum with targeted teaching methods to achieve learning goals. Explore semantic waves for introducing new concepts, direct instruction for building knowledge, and questioning techniques to create engaging lessons that develop higher-level thinking.

04 | Teaching programming – Develop programming skills throughout KS3 to meet National Curriculum expectations and prepare students for GCSE Computer Science. This section offers a quick introduction to evidence-based approaches for teaching programming, adding valuable tools to your KS3 curriculum.

How long is this course?

This course is approximately 5 hours of self directed learning.

How will you learn?

This online, self-paced course can be completed flexibly. You can join and start this course at any time after the advertised date, and keep access for a year after booking.

Outcomes

By the end of this course, you will:

plan a sequenced curriculum to support student progression throughout KS3
make use of formal and informal assessment approaches to build confidence and knowledge
apply powerful pedagogy at appropriate points in the curriculum journey, at a consistently high standard
plan for students to move from blocks to text based programming in a managed way

This course is part of Teach secondary computing

Teach secondary computing

Our nationally recognised qualification will give you confidence to take your computing teaching to the next level and to apply those skills in the classroom.

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