Leading and assessing primary computing - residential CY016 / A03
Summary
Whether you are new to the role of computing subject leader or have been the leader for a couple of years, you will be supported to bring about change at a whole school level. Day one will focus on raising the profile of computing in your school, though enriching the curriculum and bringing staff on board with the subject. Explore how to successfully manage change, and how to support others to teach computing effectively. Discover a range of enrichment activities which can bring computing to life, and consider how you could implement these in your school.
Day two will dive into assessment of primary computing. Through exploring a range of formative and summative assessment approaches, you will build confidence in evaluate learning in computing. You’ll find out what is different about assessing computing compared to other subjects, ensuring that your assessment of each strand is accurate. Across the two days, you’ll complete the following courses:
Note: If you are a new subject lead and have not attended Leading Primary Computing - module 1, you may wish to do so before attending this course. Completing this CPD will contribute towards recognised certification through the Teach primary computing certificate. You'll be supported along the way by your peers and experienced teaching professionals.
Residential information:
This is a residential course at the National STEM Learning Centre, York. Meals and overnight accommodation are included for participants for the duration of the course. If you wish to extend your stay in York, bed and breakfast will be available at the centre’s on- site accommodation at a discounted rate. You can email reception@stem.org.uk to secure this rate, providing their course booking information and confirming the night(s) they would like to stay.
Who is it for?
Subject leaders in primary computing who are new to the role, or who aspire to move into it.
What topics are covered?
01 | Managing change – explore tried-and-tested approaches to help you make positive impacts across your school, making the most of the talent and support available.
02 | Enriching the computing curriculum – discover a range of computing related extra-curricular and enrichment activities. Consider how you will implement those activities that are most suitable for your school.
03 | Helping others to teach computing effectively – support other teachers, with confidence, in a range of professional development contexts.
04 | What we assess in computing – develop your understanding of the strands which make up computing, and begin to develop key assessment points in each year group for the different strands.
05 | How we assess in computing - develop your understanding of formative and summative assessment in a computing context and consider a range of assessment methods that can be used in either or both situations.
06 | Assessing specific areas of computing - explore and practise a range of assessment techniques specific to the strands of computing, and discuss which are more suited to assessing declarative or procedural knowledge.
07 | Using assessment – Understand how to gather and where to store evidence of learning, and what to gather in order to be able to assess progress. Explore and discuss best practice whilst also aiming to reduce workload.
How will you learn?
Hands-on experiential learning with the collaborative support of your peers. You’ll receive expert advice and instruction from experienced classroom practitioners. Personalised action planning will help you prioritise next steps for you and your school, ensuring you gain maximum benefit from the CPD.
How long is this course?
This residential is two days in duration. You’ll complete approx. 10 hours of CPD.
Who is the course leader?
Outcomes
By the end of this CPD package you will:
- Understand the computing curriculum, describing a subject rich in both knowledge and skill development.
- Know how to implement change in your subject in a way which has a positive impact and brings staff on board
- support other teachers with greater confidence within a range of professional development contexts
- understand what needs to be assessed in primary computing
- recognise appropriate techniques for formative and summative assessment and understand where these can be best applied
- explore various ways of gathering and storing evidence
Sessions
| Date | Time | Location | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Managing change | 17 March 2026 | 10:00-11:15 | National STEM Learning Centre |
| 2. Enriching the computing curriculum | 17 March 2026 | 11:30-13:00 | National STEM Learning Centre |
| 3. Helping others teach computing effectively | 17 March 2026 | 13:45-15:15 | National STEM Learning Centre |
| 4. Post-course task | 17 March 2026 | 15:30-17:30 | National STEM Learning Centre |
| 5. What we assess in computing | 18 March 2026 | 09:00-09:30 | National STEM Learning Centre |
| 6. How we assess in computing | 18 March 2026 | 10:00-11:15 | National STEM Learning Centre |
| 7. Assessing specific areas of computing | 18 March 2026 | 11:30-13:00 | National STEM Learning Centre |
| 8. Using assessment | 18 March 2026 | 14:00-16:30 | National STEM Learning Centre |
Actions
Cost
| English Maintained | Activity feeFree | Subsidy available*£0.00 |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Activity fee£440.00 +VAT | Subsidy available*£0.00 |
| Priority school | Activity feeFree | Subsidy available*£410.00 |
| Priority school repeat teacher | Activity feeFree | Subsidy available*£0.00 |
| Trainee Teacher | Activity feeFree | |
This subsidy can contribute towards the costs associated with supply cover Find out more. |
Outside the UK? Fee information
Check your school subsidy status
The subsidy value may be higher for your school or college.
Included in your CPD subscription
This course is part of your school's CPD subscription. No active subscription? Learn how to get unlimited access to all CPD for your school.
Alternative dates
National STEM Learning Centre, Siwards Way, York YO10 5DD
Interested in this course?
Sign up to receive our emails to hear about the latest CPD available