Course Code : SC-01
Course Dates
This course will be offered from January 2025. In the meantime, you can register your interest in this course by completing the booking form using Course Code SC-01 : Enquiry Only. We will contact you when a date for this course is published.
Course Fee
£149.00
Programming Concepts
for Primary Schools (SC-01)
Context / Programming in Schools
The National Curriculum for Computing sets high expectations for the teaching of programming in primary schools. Many teachers are having a good attempt at teaching programming concepts and techniques, particularly via online learning platforms and activities (e.g. Purple Mash). However, activities may be limited in scope and teachers may not have an opportunity to develop their subject knowledge to the extent that they can themselves master programming skills or concepts themselves, particularly to respond to the more able pupils and their creativity or questions
Overview
This one-day (9.30am - 4.00pm) hands-on course is designed to provide delegates with an introduction to the concepts of programming so that knowledge of key aspects of programming can be understood and applied to different scenarios and problems that can be shared with pupils in the classroom. The course will cover a wide range of concepts via the creation (editing or debugging) of a number of programs using the online SCRATCH environment which is a very visual, graphical interface. Delegates will also be introduced to other programming environments,. including an brief introduction to LOGO and PYTHON (this is a separate course).
Ofsted have identified what strong and weaker practice in the teaching of programming looks like and what inspectors might look for in an inspection. This course will touch on some of the approaches OfSTED thinks is good practice in the teaching of algorithms and programming as part of the Computing curriculum.
Who is the course for?
This course is aimed at:
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those who want to develop a more secure understand of programming concepts
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primary school Computing (IT) Leaders in schools
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primary school teachers
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teaching assistants
Content / Programme
This course takes place over one day (see below for timing and lunch arrangements) and during that time, delegates will learn:
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the importance of identifying the problem or purpose of the program and planning and designing programs before coding
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about the key concepts of programming
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about sequence, repetition and selection
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about variables and how they can be used in various types of program, e.g. games
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about comparing variables using 'operators' (e.g. =, <>, OR and AND)
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about possible routes of progression for programming within the National Curriculum for Computing
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about the online SCRATCH programming environment
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about debugging programs that are not performing as intended
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how to develop and enhance simple programs with additional functionality
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about other programming languages, including LOGO and PYTHON
All participants will have access to a computer for the whole day and the vast majority of activities will be practical using the SCRATCH programming environment (online version).
Assessment and Qualification
The course is not assessed or part of a qualification, although delegates will be given a self-assessment to track their progress during the day and encourage thinking about future learning.
Location, Timings and Facilities
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The course will take place at our Trafford Park Centre, details of which can be found here. The Centre has a free car park and is accessible by public transport, including Metrolink Tram (Village stop on the Red Line).
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The course will start at 9.30am and finish at 4.00pm. There will be a break of 30-45 minutes during the day (usually about 12.15pm) for lunch).
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Drinks (tea, coffee, water) will be provided on arrival, during mid-morning break and after lunch.
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Lunch is not provided. There are plenty of shops very close to the centre offering a range of lunchtime food. Delegates can, of course, bring their own lunch. There is a small eating space at the centre.
Course Fees and Payment
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This course can be booked by telephone (0161 848 9173) or via our Course Booking Form (select course SC-01 and your preferred date)
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The cost of the course is £149.00
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Payment can be made by Invoice/BACS or via email link/card. Once we have received and confirmed your booking we will send you an invoice which will include a link to the payments system and our bank account details and the reference you should use for payment.
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If we do not have enough enrolments (we would normally expect a minimum of 3-4 participants) to run this course, we may offer you another date or a full refund if you have already paid the course fee.