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Home > Training for Schools > An Introduction to SCRATCH programming
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Course Code : SC-03
Course Dates
Please see Course Calendar to see course dates currently offered for this course
Course Fee
£149.00

An Introduction to SCRATCH Programming
for Primary Schools (SC-03)

The National Curriculum for Computing sets high expectations for the teaching of programming in primary schools.  Pupils are expected to understand and apply the concepts of programming (sequence, selection, repetition) to create, ideally, their own programs.  The popular online SCRATCH programming environment is one way of introducing pupils to the concepts of programming.  The graphical user interface, rather than text coding, provides a visual way for pupils to build their programs and test them out.

Overview

This one-day (9.30am - 4.00pm) course is designed to provide delegates with knowledge and practical use of the SCRATCH programming environment, including the function of many of the blocks featured in each of SCRATCH's building block sections.  Delegates will build simple programs using the blocks, taking into account key programming concepts.  Not all of the blocks will be used on this course.  The course will focus on the structure of programs, including sequencing, repetition and selection, and variables and operators.
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.
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Who is the course for?

This course is aimed at:
  • those who want to develop a knowledge of the SCRATCH programming environment, including the functions of the vast majority of the coding blocks
  • primary school Computing (IT) Leaders in schools
  • primary school teachers
  • 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:
  • about the SCRATCH environment and its components, e.g. coding area, stage
  • about the function of the majority of BLOCKS within each of the BLOCK SECTIONS (not all blocks will be used on the course)
  • how to create SPRITES, make them move and resize them
  • how to control events and when they happen (sequencing)
  • about REPETITION using different types of LOOPS, e.g. REPEAT, REPEAT UNTIL
  • about SELECTION or CONDITIONAL STATEMENTS (if ... then ... else)
  • how to use VARIABLES and OPERATORS within a program, e.g. to store data,  keep a count, perform calculations or make comparisons
  • the functions of some of SCRATCH'S unique coding blocks, including sensing, sound and costumes
The course content will mostly be taught with a broad mix of practical activities that could be used in the primary classroom.

Assessment and Qualification

The course is not assessed or part of a qualification, although delegates will be given a 'Certificate of Completion' and a self-assessment to track their progress during the day and encourage thinking about future learning.

Location, Timings and Facilities

  • 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).
  • 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).
  • Drinks (tea, coffee, water) will be provided on arrival, during mid-morning break and after lunch.
  • 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

  • This course can be booked by telephone (0161 848 9173) or via our Course Booking Form (select course SC-03 and your preferred date)
  • The cost of the course is £149.00
  • Payment can be made by Invoice/BACS or via email link/card.  Once we have confirmed your booking and provided your email address, 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.
  • 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.