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Primary Computing Course
Our new Computing curriculum is designed to help students grasp how computers function. This engaging course allows learners to explore the inner workings of a computer and understand the role of each component. They will also build coding skills using visual programming languages like Scratch, while discovering that computers only carry out tasks programmed by humans.
What will students learn?
Students develop the computational thinking skills and vocabulary they need to:
- extract key information from a set of instructions, break down problems into smaller parts and recognise patterns within sequences of instructions
- present sequences of instructions both verbally and visually, with increasing precision
- think logically to identify and solve errors in increasingly complex computing scenarios
- see themselves as computer scientists and understand how skills such as programming and logical thinking help in local and global industries
- understand the role that computers, other machines and data play in their lives.
Computing Curriculum
- Computational Thinking supports learners to create and present solutions to problems using algorithms, logic and precision.
- Programming helps learners to understand the common constructs of programming languages and to appreciate the contribution that Computer Scientists make to our lives.
- Managing Data encourages learners to reflect on how computers store and analyse data on an ever-increasing scale.
- Networks and Digital Communication shows how computers and other machines communicate with each other across networks and how the networks are created through a combination of hardware and data transmission protocols.
- Computer Systems helps learners to understand that computers follow precise sets of instruction to process inputs that are given by humans, to make decisions and produce outputs.
How is the programme taught?
You can teach Primary Computing using a broad range of activities and contexts. We have included plenty of opportunities for learners to investigate and create programs using the constructs that they discover, and we encourage you to revisit activities such as programming animations, quizzes and games throughout each stage. Our support materials include Scratch code extracts for learners to investigate, change, enhance and learn from what they see.
Activities that enable learners to sequence instructions away from the computer, such as card sorting tasks, will help them to consider and discuss the key principles of logic and precision.
Opportunities to see and interact with real networked hardware and other machines, both new and old, will help learners to understand the context of computers beyond those that they use in the classroom or at home.
How is Primary Computing assessed?
There are no Primary Progression Tests or Primary Checkpoint Tests for this subject.
The emphasis is for teachers to give learners formative feedback on the skills they want students to develop. This can be through discussion, observation and lesson outputs where teachers discuss with students 'what went well' and how they can improve further, so that students can reflect on, and improve, their performance.
Support to help you deliver this course
You'll get access to teacher training, ready-to-use resources, assessment tools, and an educator community. We also host webinars and expert Q&As to keep you supported.
- Assessment guidance.
- Curriculum Framework.
- Training (Face-to-face and online).
- Schemes of work.
- Teacher Guide.
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