Teaching primary computing through contexts - face to face CY405 / A02

By using curriculum and real-world contexts, you can teach aspects of computing using contexts from other curriculum subjects. This shows children how computing links to the world around them, supporting learning by making it more relevant and ensuring that all aspects of computing are taught effectively.

Using engaging contexts to teach computing is a route to enable pupils to engage with often quite abstract and challenging ideas. Providing familiar or cross-curricular contexts can also show children how computing links to other subjects and the world around them making it more relevant to them. 

This course looks at reasons why a context-based approach for primary computing may benefit learning. It considers a variety of contexts including: topics from across the wider curriculum, stories, real-life and work contexts.  

Sessions will be structured to support teachers to plan engaging activities that meet the needs of the pupils in their school, whilst developing computing skills and knowledge. 

You will look at linking core subjects to computing and making the most of a topic-based approach by adapting the Teach Computing Curriculum to link to other curriculum contexts. You will have a go at several context-based computing activities and evaluate how they support the aims of the computing curriculum.  

Finally, you will look at your own curriculum planning to identify cross-curricular opportunities relevant to your school.