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FREQUENTY ASKED QUESTIONS

If you have any questions, try looking at those we have been asked before.

Hopefully the answers will be helpful, however please contact us if you need anything further.


Who Are You?

iCompute Teaching Ltd (“iCompute”), is a company registered in England and Wales with company no. 08509235.  iCompute supports the primary education sector with curricula to improve teaching and learning in computing.  Our background is in computer science and teaching.  Our staff are Computer Scientists - Bsc (Hons) - who have worked in industry as software engineers, as well as being experienced primary school teachers with Primary Computer Science Master Teacher status.  We offer a unique blend of the practical application of computer science in the real world along with experience of teaching computing concepts and skills to young children.

Our computing schemes and resources have been nominated each year since our launch in 2014 for prestigious BETT and ERA awards in recognition of our innovation and expertise in primary computing.


[2] Does iCompute fully match the National Curriculum for Computing?

iCompute fully matches the objectives for the 2014 Programme of Study for Computing at Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2.  It provides comprehensive planning and associated lesson materials, but offers the flexibility to be implemented in different ways.  In using our schemes you can be confident of delivering full statutory coverage in innovative and engaging ways.

The National Curriculum for Computing is made up of three strands:


a. Digital Literacy (incl. eSafety)

b. Information Technology

c. Computer Science (computer science comprises 50% of the National Curriculum objectives - more in Key Stage 2)


iCompute teaches children how computers and computer systems work, offering broad and balanced coverage of these strands.  It exposes children to a wide range and rich variety of digital technologies and tools.  It teaches children how to use those tools and technologies (IT); how to communicate, collaborate, stay safe and express themselves (Digital Literacy) and, importantly, how to become digital creators themselves (Computer Science).


What are the differences between packs/bundles?

i) iCompute in the EYFS provides a minimum 28 weeks of computing specifically designed to introduce children in the Foundation Stage to technology and computing.  Matched to the statutory framework for the early years foundation stage and matched to Early Learning Goals.  This pack is bundled as standard with the whole-school pack but is also available to purchase separately.


ii) iCompute - the Whole School Pack - offers full National Curriculum Coverage for Computing at Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 and can be taught using any device


iii) iCompute for iPad is designed to complement our whole-school scheme and provides additional coverage of the algorithms, programming and computational thinking objectives of the National Curriculum using iPads.  The units within the iPad pack are unique progressive lessons that teach programming using iPads, native iPad functions and iPad apps


iv) iCompute Across the Curriculum is designed to complement our whole-school scheme by providing opportunities to practise, consolidate and develop skills learnt in Computing throughout the primary curriculum.  It sets computing in meaningful contexts and enhances and enriches other subjects.  


v) Learn Programming Codebooks 1-4 are printed workbooks are matched to our Key Stage 2 programming units and are designed for pupils to independently practice what they have learnt in their computing lessons.  The four books in the series are loosely based on progression from Year 3 to Year 6.


vi) iCompute's Computational Thinking Puzzle workbooks are printed, workbooks designed for pupils to engage with independently to practice and develop computational thinking skills, including thinking logically, using abstraction, generalisation, decomposition and analytical problem solving


Are there any further costs?

iCompute has been specifically designed to use free software and tools in order to minimise costs to schools.  All bundles are for annual subscriptions, paid in advance, with free additions and updates throughout the licence period.  


Some of the apps used in our iPad packs are paid-for apps but we have tried to keep these at a minimum.  Further details are available in our iPad Pack Overview


Does it require training?

We designed the scheme with non-computing specialist teachers in mind.  We understand that computing can be challenging for some staff.  iCompute teaches the teacher, as well as the pupils, and includes comprehensive - step-by-step - resources to support understanding.  No training is necessary in order to confidently teach using our materials.  


We provide a Subject Leader's Toolkit as standard in our schemes which includes a a wealth of materials to help improve subject knowledge and skills.  This includes a comprehensive CPD Toolkit which has skills audits, CPD planning materials and three practial CPD sessions (incl. presentations and resources to be delivered in-house) for Key Stage 1, Lower Key Stage 2 and Upper Key Stage 2.



How does iCompute support the Ofsted Inspection Framework and Deep Dives into Computing?

A high-quality computing education as one that interweaves the three strands of the curriculum: computer science, information technology and digital literacy; is rich in computer science; uses a variety of IT to create digital content set in meaningful contexts; does not assume children are digitally literate and has eSafety embedded.


iCompute supports schools in teaching computing effectively and well by providing a rich, broad and balanced computing curriculum fully mapped to the National Curriculum for Computing and Key Stage 1 and 2. It offers pupils a computing education designed for mastery using research-led computing pedagogies and covers all three strands of the computing curriculum.


Download our full Ofsted guide as to how iCompute supports the Inspection Framework and Computing Deep Dives.


Is your ordering and payment system secure?

iCompute handles significant amounts of critical online orders, every day. Security is our main concern when handling information. We've gone the extra mile to ensure full security and privacy for customers and users, from the moment the cart pops up until the order is completed.  We use Snipcart payment gateway and every communication passing through Snipcart goes through their own servers and is thus encrypted through their SSL/HTTPS certificate. All the submitted information is coded and signed; it cannot be intercepted nor read by a third party.


Find out more by visiting https://snipcart.com/security


Can we order by purchase order or invoice?

Yes. You can order by invoice by adding your chosen packs to the shopping cart and selecting 'Pay Later' at checkout.  You will receive an invoice by email stating that payment has been deferred. We will then email you the login details to access the product(s) as soon as payment is received.


If you would like to pay by Purchase Order, please add your purchase order number to your online order.


Alternatively, get in touch and we'll email an invoice directly to you.



Do you offer discounts?

Discounts are available for schools federated schools and MATS. A minimum of two schools being iCompute members is required to qualify. See our Purchase pages for further information.


We can also offer small school discounts for schools with less than 120 pupils on the roll.  Please contact us for details if these are options you would like to explore.


Can we share iCompute ith other schools?

No. The terms of purchase licence the product to the purchasing establishment only.  You may not share iCompute outside of your school or establishment.

We offer discounts for federated schools and MATS. See our Purchase pages for further information.


Please see terms and conditions for full details.


Can we try before we buy?

Yes. Sign up for a free, no obligation, trial to see absolutely everything we offer.


Visit our Trial page to sign up.


We have mixed age classes in our school.  Can we use iCompute?

Yes.  iCompute is successfully used in schools with mixed-age classes.


We provide 2-year planning guidance in our Curriculum Guide but will also work with you if your class configures differ to create a long term plan to suit the needs of your setting.


Do we need to buy any additional hardware?

No.  We specifically designed iCompute to minimise costs to schools.  It does not require the purchase of any additional hardware.  We may suggest the use of some hardware where appropriate (e.g. BeeBots), but we suggest other ways you can achieve the same outcomes if you have limited or no access to those resources.  The free software and tools that we use have been carefully chosen to ensure they run on older as well as current computer systems.


[13] We only have iPads or tablets.  Can we use iCompute?

Yes, iCompute can be taught using any device.


We use Chromebooks in our school.  Will the software iCompute uses be compatible?

iCompute can be taught on any device, including Chromebooks.  


Do you support pupils with SEND?

Yes. Read our guidance on inclusion.


I'm having problems.  What should I do?

Check our Troubleshooting section but if you find your problem is not addressed there, please contact us.