Strengthening support for primary teachers! STACS Launches Comprehensive Computing Science Resources for Early Years to Primary 7.
STACS, a teacher-led organisation dedicated to championing and supporting Computing Science educators, is proud to announce the release of comprehensive resources for teaching Computing Science from Nursery to Primary 7. With a mission to inspire pupils, empower teachers, and work closely with the teaching community, STACS is committed to fostering a strong foundation for Computing Science education from the earliest stages of learning across Scotland.
Supporting Early Education: The Key to Closing the Gender Gap
We recognise that the tech talent pipeline starts in our classrooms and the journey to advancing Computing Science begins in the early years and continues through to Secondary. Primary is a foundational stage crucial for building a sustainable and inclusive tech talent pipeline for Scotland. Early exposure to Computing Science is vital for nurturing interest and skills in technology, particularly in addressing long-standing challenges such as the gender gap in STEM fields. Research shows that inspiring pupils—especially girls—at a young age is key to fostering diversity and ensuring a robust future for the tech sector. Working to close the gender gap is at the heart of everything we do.
We have embedded strategies within all our resources to make Computing Science engaging and inclusive. Drawing on research into what inspires female pupils, these strategies include highlighting female role models, promoting teamwork, using gender-neutral language, and emphasising creativity and real-world connections throughout the curriculum.
Mearns Masters: A Model for Excellence in Primary Computing Science
A shining example of excellence in Computing Science education is Mearns Primary and its innovative Mearns Masters programme. Developed under the leadership of Head Teacher Sharon Hunter, this pioneering initiative provides a clear progression for pupils from Nursery to Primary 7. One strand of Mearns Masters is the coding framework designed by Fiona Mossman. It is a standout feature, fostering creativity, confidence, and technical skills in young learners.
We were particularly impressed by the exceptional work produced by Mearns pupils who have gone through the Mearns Master programme. We heard pupils as young as Primary 4 and 5 speak confidently and demonstrate their own creations they developed using code, work that mirrored the quality often seen in S1 in Secondary schools. Using the Mearns Masters coding framework and working closely with both Fiona and Mari Clare Mitchell, STACS has developed a set of comprehensive resources to empower teachers, supporting them to deliver high-quality Computing Science education at every age and stage of primary level.
Research-Driven Resources to Inspire and Engage Young Learners
The new resources span from Nursery to Primary 7, supporting teachers to deliver engaging and effective lessons. Each resource includes detailed slides that have been thoughtfully designed, lesson plans, teacher notes, and carefully crafted tasks with solutions. These materials have been reviewed by the STACS Primary Teacher Reference Group — comprising of Amanda Pickard, Laura Di Pasquale, and Mari-Clare Mitchell — who bring a wealth of experience and knowledge from early years and primary teaching.
To ensure quality and developmental stage appropriateness, the resources integrate insights from the Developmental Technologies Research Group at Boston College—a globally recognised research lab pioneering work in computational thinking and coding for young learners. By adopting playful and age-appropriate approaches, these resources aim to inspire young minds while supporting their learning journey. We have also aligned the resources with the National Centre for Computing Education’s 12 principles of teaching Computing Science, the resources ensure both quality and consistency in approach, supporting teachers in delivering engaging and effective lessons.
By combining expert input, research, and proven teaching strategies, these resources are designed to enhance the delivery of Computing Science education in early years and primary classrooms.
Seamless Progression to Secondary Education
Our Primary resources complement STACS’s extensive collection of over 250 hours of BGE resources for secondary schools, providing a seamless pathway for pupils as they transition into secondary education. Together, they create a robust learning progression, enabling pupils to build on their skills and knowledge.
Free Resources for STACS Members
STACS is committed to ensuring these high-quality resources are accessible to all school teachers. They are available free of charge. Teachers can join and access these materials by signing up at stacs.scot.
