Primary Computing Resources

(Mainly) Primary Resources to GET STARTED

Essential Reading

CAS Primary Curriculum Guidance Document

Help for primary schools with planning and gives guidance on how best to develop teachers' skills

CAS Secondary Curriculum Guidance Document

Help for secondary schools with planning and gives guidance on how best to develop teachers' skills

CAS newsletter (Switched On archive)

Packed full of articles written by teachers in both primary and secondary sectors, plus a roundup of news about the many initiatives now promoting the development of Computing in schools. Lots of practical resources to use in the classroom and help enhance your understanding of the new curriculum.

Computational Thinking and Assessment

A computational thinking guide & Progression Pathways assessment framework including computational thinking: KS1 (Y1) to KS3 (Y9)

See also:

• Assessing attainment in computing
• Open Badges for assessing primary computing
• Assessment spreadsheet for KS1 and 2 ( can be adapted for KS3)

The new computing curriculum

An introduction for primary teachers - PowerPoint used in a CPD session based on content from the NAACE/CAS guidance for primary teachers

Computing POS - guidance notes for Primary and Infant schools

This has been written for Head teachers, Governors, the SLT and class teachers. The aim of this document is to demystify the programme of study and to dispel fears that it might be difficult to implement in their school.

Insight into the primary computing curriculum

45 minute presentation at BETT 2014 Learn Live by Miles Berry

Other Classroom Resources

• KS1 resource list - This is very much a work in progress! A list of resources to support the KS1 computing curriculum, which grew out of the discussion here
• Teaching Computational Thinking To Primary Schools - Guide to resources available for new UK Computing Curriculum. This was presented at 21st century learning in Hong Kong to a full house and gives an overview of the new curriculum, resources, available and a shameless plug for CAS Bangkok! Good for PD & resource reference point. You Tube Video
• Primary computing keywords posters
• Algorithms - helping pupils to use and understand that term - This is a You Tube video using a very well known song using a different version of lyrics and children's animation for education only.
• Scratch - KS1 and 2 Teacher Resources - Worksheets from a Scratch course for primary
• Python for absolute Beginners - Python for absolute Beginners (SoW, Assesssments, Resources & Mark Schemes) *Scratch Animation Programming Unit - Scratch Animation Programming Unit for pupils in their first year of secondary school or top primary.
• Sorting Algorithms with Horrible Histories - Uses Kings & Queens of England to teach children the basics of sorting algorithms
• Complete Scratch Unit for Years 5 & 6 - Complete term's learning using Scratch for coding.

Barefoot Computing

(free but simple registration required)

Updated regularly with new resources. Includes resources on:

KS1 Subject Knowledge:

Algorithms :

• understand what algorithms are
• understand how algorithms are implemented as programs on digital devices
• understand that programs execute by following precise and unambiguous instructions

create and debug simple programs

• create simple programs
• debug simple programs

use logical reasoning to predict the behaviour of simple programs

• use logical reasoning to predict the behaviour of simple programs
• design programs that accomplish specific goals
• write programs that accomplish specific goals
• control physical systems
• simulate physical systems

KS2 Subject Knowledge:

use sequence, selection, and repetition in programs; work with variables and various forms of input and output

• use sequence in programs
• use selection in programs
• use repetition in programs
• work with variables
• work with various forms of input
• work with various forms of output

use logical reasoning to explain how some simple algorithms work and to detect and correct errors in algorithms and programs

• use logical reasoning to explain how some simple algorithms work
• use logical reasoning to detect and correct errors in algorithms
• use logical reasoning to detect and correct errors in programs

understand computer networks including the internet; how they can provide multiple services, such as the world wide web

• understand computer networks including the internet
• multiple services provided by networks and the internet, such as the world wide web

appreciate how results are selected and ranked

• appreciate how results are selected
• appreciate how results are ranked

Computational Thinking Concepts (KS1 and KS2)

• Computational Thinking
• Logic
• Algorithms
• Decomposition
• Patterns
• Abstraction
• Evaluation

Computer Science Concepts (KS1 and KS2)

• Programming
• Repetition
• Sequence
• Selection
• Variables
• Computer Networks
• Internet Services
• Computer Systems

Lesson plans

Key Stage 1 Activities

Spelling Rules Algorithms

This activity introduces pupils to algorithms as sets of rules through looking at graphemes.

Sharing Sweets Algorithms

This activity gets pupils working out a simple algorithm for how to share objects and starting to understand what algorithms are.

Bee-Bots Tinkering Activity

This activity involves pupils tinkering with Bee-Bots to find out what they do and how to program them.

Scratch Tinkering Activity

This activity involves your pupils tinkering with Scratch to find out what it does and how to create programs in it.

Bee-bots 1,2,3 Programming

In this activity pupils create an algorithm to draw the shape of a numeral, then program a Bee-Bot to navigate a route tracing the shape.

Pizza Pickle Scratch Debugging

In this activity pupils are given programs that do not do as expected and use logical reasoning to predict what will happen and debug.

World Map Logic Activity

This activity introduces the concept of logical reasoning as pupils predict the behaviour of an onscreen toy in a World map game.

Bee-Bot Basics Activity

In this activity pupils design and solve challenges using a programmable toy, creating algorithms to navigate a route.

Key Stage 2 Activities

Logical Number Sequences

In this activity pupils work with number sequences using logical reasoning to extend their knowledge and understanding of rule based algorithms.

Scratch Tinkering Activity

This activity involves your pupils tinkering with Scratch to find out what it does and how to create programs in it.

2D Shape Drawing Debugging

In this activity pupils use logical reasoning to detect and correct errors in algorithms used to draw pictures constructed from 2D shapes.

Shapes & Crystal Flowers Repetition

In this activity pupils learn about repetition by creating programs in Scratch to draw patterns made of simple shapes.

Fossil Formation Animation

In this activity pupils program an animation illustrating the steps in fossil formation and learn about programming and sequencing in Scratch.

Viking Raid Animation

In this activity pupils program an animation of a Viking raid and learn about programming and sequencing in Scratch.

Scratch Maths Quiz Selection

In this activity pupils create a maths quiz in Scratch, learning about selection and how it can control the flow of a program.

Scratch Maths Quiz Variables

In this activity pupils learn about variables and how they can be used in programs, making a scoring system for the selection maths quiz.

Modelling the Internet-activity-modelling-the-internet/

In this activity pupils learn about the difference between the internet and the WWW and how web pages are viewed across the internet.

Investigating Inputs Activity

In this activity pupils investigate different input devices and create short Scratch programs that use the input devices.

Investigating Outputs

In this activity pupils write a short piece of code that controls a LEGO Education WeDo motor using Scratch.

Classroom Sound Monitor

In this activity pupils create a sound monitor for their classroom using Scratch.

Bug in the Water Cycle

In this activity pupils detect and correct errors in water cycle programs using logical reasoning.

QuickStart Computing CPD Toolkit for teachers

For primary

• Computational thinking
• Programming
• Technology
• Computer networks
• Communication and collaboration
• Productivity and creativity
• Safe and responsible use
• Planning
• Teaching
• Assessment
• Running CPD sessions

For secondary

• User guide
• SECTION 1: Leading effective CPD
• SECTION 2: Getting started with confidence
• SECTION 3: A road map for managing change
• SECTION 4: Teaching
• SECTION 5: Resources
• SECTION 6: Assessment and progression
• SECTION 7: Next steps

Other External Collections

Please note that these links will take you to external sites and open in a new tab/window so that you can return to this page easily

• Primary ITT resources collection - This site has been put together by a small group of teachers and teacher educators convened by the DfE's Teaching Agency
• Computer Science - A Journey to discover how technology works - Extensive collection of resources provided by CAS Master Teacher, Phil Bagge, including a CS Planning link, sample KS2 schemes of work and Phil's views on why computing is important for primary pupils.
• Primary Computing - Further resources to support Computing in primary schools
• CS Unplugged - a collection of free learning activities that teach Computer Science through engaging games and puzzles that use cards, string, crayons and lots of running around.
• STEM Primary Computing Resources - Teaching resources to develop an understanding of the computing curriculum, helping children to become creative, confident and safe.
• SEND Computing Resources - Computing resources and ideas for teachers of students with special educational needs and disabilities.

Commercial

• Switched on Computing will help you deliver the new Programme of Study for computing with ease and confidence. Written for the new curriculum, Switched on Computing offers creative units using the latest software in a format that is designed for teachers of all levels of experience to pick up and use.