Primary computing, year by year
Computing is taught in every primary school in England. In Key Stage 1 (Years 1 and 2, ages 5 to 7) children learn what an algorithm is, give precise instructions and fix simple programs. In Key Stage 2 (Years 3 to 6, ages 7 to 11) they write programs with decisions, loops and variables, learn how networks and search engines work, use data and stay safe online. Pick a year to see what it covers.
- Year 1ages 5–6 · KS1Giving clear instructionsOrder mattersFinding and fixing bugsSafe onlineWhat Year 1 learns →
- Year 2ages 6–7 · KS1DebuggingRepeat loopsInside a computerAnimation and a first websiteWhat Year 2 learns →
- Year 3ages 7–8 · KS2First real codeDecisions with if/elseVariablesHow the internet worksWhat Year 3 learns →
- Year 4ages 8–9 · KS2FunctionsBinary and dataMaking a gameHTML and CSSWhat Year 4 learns →
- Year 5ages 9–10 · KS2PythonHow search engines workData with codeJudging websitesWhat Year 5 learns →
- Year 6ages 10–11 · KS2JavaScript projectsBuilding a websiteHow the web worksA portfolio for secondaryWhat Year 6 learns →
The big ideas, and how they grow
The same few ideas come back every year, a little deeper each time. These are the U Teach Mi courses that carry each one.
Programming and algorithms
Giving precise instructions, then writing programs that use sequence, decisions, loops, variables and functions.
Debugging
Finding the step that went wrong, predicting what a program will do and testing a fix.
Computers, networks and the web
What is inside a computer, how the internet moves information, how search engines and web pages work.
Data and information
Sorting, storing and questioning data: branching databases, binary, spreadsheets and honest charts.
Creating with technology
Animations, games, websites and videos that children plan, build, test and improve.
Online safety
Private information, kind choices, checking before believing, spotting fakes and using AI with care.
Two ideas worth understanding first: what an algorithm is and how binary numbers work.
The National Curriculum, word for word
Pupils should be taught to do the following. The curriculum is set per key stage, not per year.
Key Stage 1: Years 1 and 2
- “Understand what algorithms are; how they are implemented as programs on digital devices; and that programs execute by following precise and unambiguous instructions”
- “Create and debug simple programs”
- “Use logical reasoning to predict the behaviour of simple programs”
- “Use technology purposefully to create, organise, store, manipulate and retrieve digital content”
- “Recognise common uses of information technology beyond school”
- “Use technology safely and respectfully, keeping personal information private; identify where to go for help and support when they have concerns about content or contact on the internet or other online technologies”
Key Stage 2: Years 3 to 6
- “Design, write and debug programs that accomplish specific goals, including controlling or simulating physical systems; solve problems by decomposing them into smaller parts”
- “Use sequence, selection, and repetition in programs; work with variables and various forms of input and output”
- “Use logical reasoning to explain how some simple algorithms work and to detect and correct errors in algorithms and programs”
- “Understand computer networks, including the internet; how they can provide multiple services, such as the World Wide Web, and the opportunities they offer for communication and collaboration”
- “Use search technologies effectively, appreciate how results are selected and ranked, and be discerning in evaluating digital content”
- “Select, use and combine a variety of software (including internet services) on a range of digital devices to design and create a range of programs, systems and content that accomplish given goals, including collecting, analysing, evaluating and presenting data and information”
- “Use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly; recognise acceptable/unacceptable behaviour; identify a range of ways to report concerns about content and contact”
For teachers: the free KS1 coding games work with a mouse or a touchscreen, so they run on an interactive whiteboard, and most game pages quote the curriculum statements they support. Parents can start a 7-day free trial.
Every year's courses, at home
All 36 courses on these pages, from Year 1 to Year 6, so your child can practise their own year, catch up on an earlier one or move ahead.
- 36 coding courses, six for each year from Year 1 to Year 6
- A live online lesson with a teacher, Wednesdays 5–6pm UK time
- Daily Maths & English practice
- A parent dashboard showing what your child has done
£15 a month, up to two children
7 days free, then £15 a month for up to two children (£7.50 a month for each extra child). Card needed; cancel any time.
Questions parents ask about primary computing
Is computing a compulsory subject in primary school?
Computing has been part of the National Curriculum in England from Key Stage 1 to Key Stage 4 since September 2014, when it replaced ICT. The programme of study sets out what pupils should be taught in each key stage; schools decide how to split it across the years.
What age do children start coding at school?
From Year 1, at age 5. The Key Stage 1 curriculum asks children to understand what algorithms are and to create and debug simple programs. At that age most of it is giving step-by-step instructions to a character or robot, not typing code.
Do primary children learn real programming languages?
The curriculum does not name a language, and many schools use block-based tools in Key Stage 2. On U Teach Mi, children work in real JavaScript from Year 3, Python in Year 5, and HTML and CSS for websites in Years 4 and 6.
What is the difference between computing and ICT?
ICT was the old subject, mostly about using software. Computing, which replaced it in 2014, keeps that but adds computer science: algorithms, programming, how computers and networks work, and using technology safely.
How much does U Teach Mi cost?
£15 a month covers up to two children. Each extra child is £7.50 a month, so three children are £22.50 and four are £30. The free games and the free typing lessons stay free without an account.