Beginner STEMbotics: Robotics & Coding
Inclusive robotics and coding workshop for KS1 and KS2 using LEGO Spike Essentials and LEGO WeDo 2.0. Children code with icon blocks or word blocks, and no reading ability is required.
Curriculum Links
National Curriculum Alignment
This workshop directly supports the following curriculum areas.
Computing
Algorithms, sequencing, debugging, icon-based and block-based programming
Design & Technology
Mechanical systems, pulleys, gears, levers
Science
Forces, motion, scientific investigation
Careers Framework
Gatsby Benchmark Alignment
This workshop supports the following Gatsby Benchmarks for good career guidance, the framework used by schools and Ofsted to evaluate careers provision.
Linking Curriculum Learning to Careers
Connects computing and design & technology curriculum objectives to real-world robotics and engineering career pathways.
Encounters with Employers and Employees
When delivered on behalf of defence or corporate partners, provides a meaningful employer encounter showing how STEM skills are used in the workplace.
The Gatsby Benchmarks are the national framework for careers guidance in schools, embedded in statutory guidance and used by over 4,700 schools across England.
Learning Outcomes
What Students Will Achieve
- Build a functioning robot from LEGO Spike Essentials or WeDo 2.0 components
- Write programs using icon blocks or word blocks to control robot behaviour
- Understand and apply computational thinking concepts
- Debug programs when they don't work as expected
- Work collaboratively to solve engineering challenges
- Connect coding and robotics to real-world applications
In the Classroom
Workshop in Action
Inclusivity & SEND
Supporting Every Learner
Our instructors have extensive experience working across different school environments, including mainstream, SEND, SEMH, alternative provision, pupil referral units, and special schools. Every activity is scaffolded and differentiated so that all learners can access the content, experience success, and develop confidence. We use adaptive teaching strategies, manage cognitive load carefully, and provide visual supports and learning mats. Schools can share specific needs in advance so we can plan accordingly. Beginner STEMbotics is designed to be one of our most inclusive workshops. Children code using icon blocks, picture-based instructions that require no reading ability, making the workshop fully accessible to pre-readers, children with literacy difficulties, and EAL learners. Word-based blocks are available for those ready to progress. The hands-on nature of LEGO robotics is particularly effective for kinaesthetic learners and children who thrive with practical, tactile activities.
Group sizes: Best experience: ~30 students per session (pairs). Maximum: 60 students per session in KS2 (teams of 3). KS1 groups are limited to 32 students per session.
Gifted & Talented
Stretch and Challenge for High-Ability Learners
Every workshop includes built-in extension challenges designed to stretch gifted and talented students. Open-ended tasks, advanced programming objectives, and real-world problem-solving scenarios ensure high-ability learners are fully engaged alongside their peers.
- Tiered challenges allow students to progress at their own pace, from guided tasks to independent problem-solving
- Higher-order thinking through debugging, optimisation, and creative design challenges
- Competition pathways — workshops build skills relevant to FIRST LEGO League, Raspberry Pi competitions, Cyber Discovery, and CREST Awards
- Career connections — students discover how workshop skills translate into real engineering, computing, and science careers
Schools can share information about gifted and talented cohorts in advance so our instructors can prepare targeted extension activities.
Session Structure
Typical Workshop Day
Based on a Standard format (3 × 90-minute sessions). Timetables are flexible and adapted to your school day.
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 07:45 – 09:00 | Hyett Education team arrives, sets up all equipment and prepares the workshop space |
| 09:00 – 10:30 | Session 1: First class group (up to 60 students) |
| 10:30 – 10:45 | Changeover and break |
| 10:45 – 12:15 | Session 2: Second class group (up to 60 students) |
| 12:15 – 13:15 | Lunch break (1 hour) |
| 13:15 – 14:45 | Session 3: Third class group (up to 60 students) |
| 14:45 – 15:00 | Session ends |
| 15:00 – 15:30 | Pack down all equipment. Nothing for school to do |
Workshop Formats
Choose Your Format
Choose the format that suits your school timetable. All formats include full setup and packdown by our team.
All-Day Experience
4-4.5 hours per session
One extended session for a single large group (KS2)
In-Depth Experience
2 hours per session
Two focused sessions for deeper exploration (KS2)
Standard Experience
90 minutes per session
Three sessions reaching more students (KS2)
Taster Experience
60 minutes per session
Short introductions for maximum reach (KS2)
Note: Best experience: ~30 students per session (pairs). Maximum: 60 students per session in KS2 (teams of 3). KS1 groups are limited to 32 students per session.
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