Introduction to primary computing - face to face
CP004 Face to face course
Computing in primary schools is a practical, creative and knowledge-rich subject. This course provides teachers with the knowledge and confidence to get started on the journey to outstanding computing in your school, whether you’re a subject coordinator or another interested teacher.
Since 2014, a quiet revolution has taken place in primary schools. The addition of computer science to the curriculum, part of the foundation subject of computing, has brought new challenges and opportunities for teachers.
This one-day course helps teachers to understand the nature of computing in the curriculum, and the similarities and differences with the previous ICT curriculum. You’ll gain hands-on experience of teaching different aspects of computing, evaluating high-quality resources that can be used in your classroom. You’ll also develop your knowledge of computer programming, and confidence to teach children programming at an age-appropriate level.
There’s a wide network of teacher communities, resources and professional development opportunities to take you further in the teaching of computing – this course will guide you towards the most reliable and accessible sources of help.
Who is it for?
New subject coordinators of primary computing, as well as other teachers interested in integrating computing into their classroom teaching.
Course content
- 01 | What is computing? Understand computing as a subject, a future career path, and a set of critical skills for modern life. Consider what outstanding teaching of computing for all should look like.
- 02 | The Computing Curriculum. Consider the computing teaching that currently happens in your classroom, and evaluate a range of high quality resources to help you develop towards outstanding learning.
- 03 | Getting started with teaching primary programming. Understand how computational thinking underpins learning of computer programming, and how algorithms form the basis of all programs.
- 04 | You don’t need to know everything! Navigate confidently through the vast range of support and resources available to help you develop your teaching of computing.
How will you learn?
- Reflecting on your own situation and assessing, through discussion with peers in other schools, how opportunities in computing can be maximised.
- Apply the latest research and practice to your own school context with support from the facilitator.
- Experience hands-on the activities that can transform your computing curriculum.
This course is delivered as part of the National Centre for Computing Education.
You will be able to:
- Understand how computing has evolved as an academic subject rich in knowledge and skill
- Develop an understanding of high-quality computing education in the context of your own school
- Gain practical experience of teaching and learning in computing, including introductory computer programming
- Be confident in the next steps to develop the teaching of computing, supported by a network of peers and a range of high-quality resources
This course is part of the Teach primary computing certificate.
Teach primary computing
Our nationally recognised qualification will support you to demonstrate your commitment to developing your own practice and to computing as a school subject.
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Also part of Teach primary computing:
Creating an Inclusive Classroom: Approaches to Supporting Learners with SEND in Computing
Explore ways to make your computing lessons more inclusive for learners with special educational needs and disabilities.
Primary programming and algorithms - face to face
Discover engaging and effective ways to help children use computational thinking.
Programming 101: An Introduction to Python for Educators
Explore the basics of Python. Guided by the Raspberry Pi Foundation, you’ll learn to code your first program