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Duo Course: Year 1 & 2: Programming – Introduction to Scratch Jr Thursday 22nd April 2027

This practical session leads into the world of block-based coding with ScratchJr, a visual programming language designed specifically for younger learners. The workshop focuses on the transition from floor robots to screen-based programming. Pupils will explore how to design their own backgrounds and edit their “sprites,” using code to tell a digital story or create a simple game. It is a brilliant way to develop problem-solving skills and persistence, as students “test and fix” their scripts to ensure their characters behave exactly as intended.

Session Objectives:
• Understand the key concepts of sequencing, cause, and effect in early programming
• Learn how to use ScratchJr to snap together color-coded blocks to make characters move, jump, dance, and sing
• Explore how to use “Start on Green Flag” and “Touch” triggers in a creative digital playground
• Gain confidence in delivering KS1 screen-based programming units effectively

Date: Thursday 22nd April 2027
Time: 16:00-17:30

THIS WILL BE FACE TO FACE TRAINING COURSE

Expected impact on schools – Participants will:
• Gain practical experience using ScratchJr on iPads in the classroom
• Be able to confidently manage the transition from floor robots to on-screen programming
• Access high-quality online resources to support lesson delivery
• Develop inspiring lesson ideas linked to the computing curriculum

Links to Teach Computing Units:

Year 1:  6. Programming B – Programming animations

Year 2:  6. Programming B – programming quizzes

Who is it for?
Primary teachers looking to build their confidence in teaching computing, particularly those delivering the Year 1 and Year 2 Programming units from the Teach Computing framework.

Charge:
This course is part of our Apple RTC CPD offer and is Free of Charge to schools.

SPECIAL OFFER
After attending a DUO course each attendee will be eligible for a reduced cost half day, taught session on ScratchJr either at The Word or in school.
• Staff attending the course must be present for the follow up session.
• The session will use 30 points of your allocation instead of 60.
• Staff can only attend the Duo Course once to benefit from the reduced points charge.

(Points can be purchased if required – please enquire for costings)

To register, please contact: [email protected]

 

 

DUO Course: Y4 Audio Production – Podcasting with GarageBand – Tuesday 2nd March 2027

Join this hands-on short course and explore the creative potential of podcasting using GarageBand on iPads! Podcasting offers an engaging platform to enhance learning experiences, boost creativity, and empower students to share their ideas with the world.

Session Objectives (Links directly to the Teach Computing Y4 Audio Production Unit):
• Explore the GarageBand app and its tools, tailored for easy audio creation.
• Learn how to record high-quality audio using built-in features and external microphones.
• Master the use of loops and sound effects to create professional-sounding podcasts.
• Discover how to arrange and edit audio tracks on GarageBand’s intuitive timeline.
• Experiment with sound processing tools to fine-tune your podcast.
• Learn the steps to export and share your podcast with your audience.

Date: Tuesday 2nd March 2027
Time: 16:00-17:30

THIS WILL BE A FACE TO FACE TRAINING COURSE

Expected impact on schools – Participants will:
• Have access to valuable online resources to support computing lessons.
• Be able to confidently deliver audio production lessons using appropriate software.
• Develop engaging lesson ideas that align with the computing curriculum.

Helpful Link: KS2 Teach Computing Curriculum Units (https://teachcomputing.org/curriculum/key-stage-2)

Who is it for?
This course is ideal for KS2 teachers interested in integrating podcasting into their teaching, especially those delivering the Teach Computing Y4 Audio Production Unit.

Charge:
This course is part of our Apple RTC CPD offer and is Free of Charge to schools.

SPECIAL OFFER
After attending a DUO course each school/attendee will be eligible for a reduced cost half day, taught session using GarageBand either at The Word or in school.
• Staff attending the course must be present for the follow up session.
• The session will use 30 points of your allocation instead of 60.
• Staff can only attend the Duo Course once to benefit from the reduced points charge. (Points can be purchased if required – please enquire for costings)

To register, please contact: [email protected]

Duo Course: Year 1 & 2: Programming – Introduction to Scratch Jr Thursday 25th February 2027

This practical session leads into the world of block-based coding with ScratchJr, a visual programming language designed specifically for younger learners. The workshop focuses on the transition from floor robots to screen-based programming. Pupils will explore how to design their own backgrounds and edit their “sprites,” using code to tell a digital story or create a simple game. It is a brilliant way to develop problem-solving skills and persistence, as students “test and fix” their scripts to ensure their characters behave exactly as intended.

Session Objectives:
• Understand the key concepts of sequencing, cause, and effect in early programming
• Learn how to use ScratchJr to snap together color-coded blocks to make characters move, jump, dance, and sing
• Explore how to use “Start on Green Flag” and “Touch” triggers in a creative digital playground
• Gain confidence in delivering KS1 screen-based programming units effectively

Date: Thursday 25th February 2027
Time: 16:00-17:30

THIS WILL BE FACE TO FACE TRAINING COURSE

Expected impact on schools – Participants will:
• Gain practical experience using ScratchJr on iPads in the classroom
• Be able to confidently manage the transition from floor robots to on-screen programming
• Access high-quality online resources to support lesson delivery
• Develop inspiring lesson ideas linked to the computing curriculum

Links to Teach Computing Units:

Year 1:  6. Programming B – Programming animations

Year 2:  6. Programming B – programming quizzes

Who is it for?
Primary teachers looking to build their confidence in teaching computing, particularly those delivering the Year 1 and Year 2 Programming units from the Teach Computing framework.

Charge:
This course is part of our Apple RTC CPD offer and is Free of Charge to schools.

SPECIAL OFFER
After attending a DUO course each attendee will be eligible for a reduced cost half day, taught session on ScratchJr either at The Word or in school.
• Staff attending the course must be present for the follow up session.
• The session will use 30 points of your allocation instead of 60.
• Staff can only attend the Duo Course once to benefit from the reduced points charge.

(Points can be purchased if required – please enquire for costings)

To register, please contact: [email protected]

 

 

Apple RTC Conference: AI & Accessibility in the Classroom 22.10.26

 

Apple RTC Conference: AI & Accessibility in the Classroom

👉 RSVP Official Event Flyer: Apple RTC Conference Invite (PDF)

Places are limited so book early to avoid disappointment.

Duo Course Y3 – Lego Minecraft Animation – Stikbot & iMovie – iPads Wednesday 4th November

This DUO CPD session brings the inanimate to life in a high-energy animation workshop! Using Stikbot Studio a dedicated stop-motion software, and Lego figures pupils will learn the meticulous art of frame-by-frame filmmaking. Teachers attending will later show Students how to master the concepts of “onion skinning,” frame rates, and character positioning to create smooth, professional-looking movements.

The session takes a cinematic turn with the integration of Green Screen technology.  Learn how to “chroma key” their footage, replacing green backgrounds with custom digital environments to place their Stikbots in any setting imaginable—from deep space to historical landmarks. It’s an ideal way to combine technical precision with boundless creative storytelling.

Final editing and export will utilise iMovie.

Date: Wednesday 4th November 2026 

Time: 16:00-17:30

Charge:
This course is part of our Apple RTC CPD offer and is Free of Charge to schools.

SPECIAL OFFER
After attending a DUO course each attendee will be eligible for a reduced cost half day, taught session on Vector Graphics either at The Word or in school.
The session will use 30 points of your allocation instead of 60.
Staff can only attend the Duo Course once to benefit from the reduced points charge.
(Points can be purchased if required – please enquire for costings)

To book a place on this session please email: [email protected]

 

 

Contact Us

ICT In Schools
Open Zone @ The Word
45 Market Place
South Shields
NE33 1JF

0191 424 6336

[email protected]

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