Teaching Programming with Confidence: Progression, Pedagogy & Practice

Teaching Programming with Confidence is a full-day professional development event designed to equip educators with the knowledge, skills, and practical strategies needed to deliver high-quality programming lessons across the primary curriculum.

The day opens with registration, networking, and refreshments, before moving into an in-depth session on progression and pedagogy in programming. Attendees will explore core terminology, examined effective teaching approaches such as modelled, guided, and independent learning, and gain clarity on how programming concepts develop from the Early Years to Key Stage 2.

After a short break, the focus shifts to adaptive learning and assessment, highlighting strategies to ensure programming lessons are inclusive and accessible for diverse learners, including SEND and EAL pupils. Participants will also learn how to assess computational thinking and programming skills through both formative and summative methods.

The mid-day workshops offer hands-on practical experience. The first workshop focuses on Early Years and KS1, familiarising teachers with physical and unplugged resources to build foundational computational thinking and problem-solving skills. Following lunch, the second workshop centres on KS2, where delegates explore Micro:bits and Crumble kits to deepen understanding of inputs, outputs, data logging and the potential for introducing machine learning in the primary classroom.

To conclude the event, attendees will take part in a CPD reflection and action-planning session, ensuring they leave with clear next steps for embedding programming effectively within their school curriculum and supporting progression in line with national expectations.