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Supporting autistic pupils in primary computing

CP291 Face to face course

Plan and teach an effective computing curriculum for autistic pupils working at primary level.

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Practical work Key stage 1 Key stage 2 Key stage 3 Key stage 4 Teach primary computing certificate Teach secondary computing certificate
Face to face course 1 day

  • Ashton-under-Lyne 30 January 10:00—30 January 2025
  • Rotherham 31 January 09:30—31 January 2025
  • Lincoln 17 March 09:30—17 March 2025
  • 1 May 11:30—1 May 2025

Computing offers great opportunities to autistic young people, but effective teaching and curriculum planning can be challenging. This CPD, developed for teachers of autistic pupils in primary schools, special schools and autism units, uses evidence-based approaches and draws on the experience and knowledge of successful teachers. You’ll consider the goals for you and your pupils, and how these can be achieved through high-quality teaching, adapted resources and considered planning of programmes of study. You’ll also develop links to other teachers in similar roles, enabling you to share and support each other.

Who is it for?

Teachers of computing in primary schools, special schools and specialist units working with learners on the autism spectrum.

Topics covered

Computing curriculum in context – You’ll consider the barriers and opportunities for autistic young people in computing, and contextualise the Teach Computing Curriculum to their needs and interests. This session also covers the importance of digital literacy for autistic learners and how to build resilience.

Applying Generic Pedagogy in Computing – This session covers the impact that autism can have on pupils’ learning and how to apply general pedagogy to teaching computing effectively. You will investigate how to support engagement and collaborative learning in the creating media and data and information strands of the curriculum.

Computing-specific pedagogy – You’ll receive an overview of different subject-specific pedagogies that can be used to effectively teach programming. The focus is on approaches that are straightforward to implement in the classroom that have been used successfully with autistic pupils. You’ll have time and support to reflect on which approaches will work for you and your school.

Teaching excellent computing lessons – This practical session supports you to adapt Teach Computing units to effectively support your autistic learners. You’ll learn about the range of support available to you as a teacher of computing, and a number of take-away resources and activities that can be easily implemented in the classroom.

How long is this course?

1 day (5 hours)

How will you learn?

Led by experienced teachers of autistic learners in computing, this face-to-face course includes lots of sharing with others in similar roles.

Outcomes

  • Recognise the strengths and barriers to learning of autistic pupils in computing

  • Develop your understanding of a range of pedagogies and approaches to teach autistic learners effectively

  • Explore how to adapt materials and activities to include and engage autistic learners

This course is part of Teach primary computing

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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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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This course is from the National Centre for Computing Education and is delivered by STEM Learning.

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