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Effective computing transition from key stage 2 to key stage 3

CO415 Online course

Explore what effective transition looks like in computing and examine some of the common barriers that can affect a successful transition between phases. Consider practical strategies for overcoming these challenges and discover how a collaborative programming project can help support continuity, engagement, and progression in pupils' learning.

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Computing Key stage 2 Key stage 3 Teach primary computing certificate Teach secondary computing certificate
Free online course 2 hours

Effective transition between Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 3 is essential for building pupils’ confidence, maintaining their engagement with computing, and ensuring continuity in the curriculum.

During this course, you will explore the evidence surrounding effective transition and its impact on pupils’ academic needs, considering how this can support the delivery of high-quality computing education and learning experiences. You will examine potential barriers to successful transition and consider practical strategies for overcoming them.

You will also explore the Teach Computing Curriculum KS2-3 Transition Project (link to KS2 resources and KS3 resources), including how the sequence of lessons is designed to work across both phases, the technology used, and the benefits for pupils. You will consider how the project could be implemented in your own school or across a group of schools through collaboration with colleagues in both primary and secondary settings.

Finally, you will develop an action plan to support your own approach to effective transition between Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 3, enabling you to take practical next steps in your school or partnership.

Who is it for?

This course is aimed at Key Stage 2 and 3 teachers, or teachers leading computing, in particular those who maybe leading on transition.

Topics covered

01 | The importance of transition – consider the theory and research around effective transition from KS2 to KS3. You will engage with evidence which explores why getting transition right is so important for pupils whilst also considering under-represented groups and how transition can be used as a vehicle to promote engagement for these pupils. 

02 | The Teach Computing transition project – explore a pre-made transition project and consider how it could work in your setting to support effective transition.

How long is this course?

This course is approximately 1.5 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 be able to:

  • Understand the theory and research behind effective transition from KS2 to KS3
  • Plan to implement some changes to your computing transition to increase its effectiveness
  • Explore how a joint programming project can be implemented locally to support transition
  • Support learners from groups underrepresented in computing with transition, including engaging with the I Belong programme 

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

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