Teaching Programming in Primary Schools from FutureLearn

Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more Teaching Programming in Primary Schools is designed for non-subject-specialist primary or K-5 teachers. You do not need any prior experience of programming to take part. You can use the hashtag #RPiLearn to talk about this course on social media.

Topics Covered

Introduction to programming, explore algorithms, and apply understanding in a range of hands-on, cross-curricular Scratch projects.
Explore repetition, and learn how to make use of repetition in your Scratch programs. Create your own art, music, making and animation using repeating patterns.
Discover variables through real-world examples and learn how to create variables by making a voting app, an interactive story and a ghost-catching game.
Explore the concept of selection by creating a ‘capital cities’ quiz and a program that classifies animals based on answers to yes/no questions.
Reflect on all of the key programming concepts to create your own final challenge project.

Reviews summary

Foundational programming for primary teachers

According to learners, this course is an exceptionally beginner-friendly introduction to programming, specifically designed for non-subject-specialist primary or K-5 teachers. Students consistently highlight the clarity of explanations and the highly practical, hands-on Scratch projects that directly apply to classroom settings. It builds significant confidence in teaching programming concepts like algorithms, repetition, and variables. While ideal for absolute novices, some learners note it can be too simplistic or slow-paced if they have prior coding experience. There's also feedback that the course focuses more on basic Scratch usage rather than advanced pedagogical strategies for teaching programming.

Concepts are clearly explained, building confidence in new learners.

"...the explanations are incredibly clear. Highly recommend for any non-specialist teacher."

"This course completely demystified programming for me. The instructor's explanations were incredibly clear and patient."

"It helped me understand how to explain variables to young children."

Focuses on useful, real-world Scratch projects applicable in classroom.

"...breaks down complex concepts like algorithms and variables into easily digestible, practical Scratch projects. The hands-on activities are particularly useful..."

"The step-by-step guides for creating games and interactive stories in Scratch were invaluable."

"The examples using Scratch are highly relevant for primary school. I especially liked how it linked real-world examples to programming concepts."

Excellent for teachers with no prior programming experience.

"This course is absolutely brilliant for primary teachers with no prior coding experience! It breaks down complex concepts like algorithms..."

"Fantastic! As a primary teacher who was daunted by teaching computing, this course made it accessible and fun. It truly caters to the absolute beginner..."

"I had zero programming experience and now I feel confident enough to start teaching basic concepts."

May be too basic or slow-paced for those with prior coding exposure.

"I found some parts a bit too simplistic if you've already dabbled in coding a little."

"Honestly, I found this course a bit basic. While it says 'no prior experience needed,' I felt it moved a bit too slowly for me..."

"If you have any background, it might not be challenging enough."

Primarily covers Scratch basics rather than advanced teaching strategies.

"I was hoping for more advanced pedagogical strategies for teaching programming, not just the basics of Scratch."

"I felt the course emphasized learning basic Scratch rather than diving deeper into *teaching methodologies* for programming."

"It's a foundation, but not comprehensive for teaching strategies."

Career center