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Our support and guidance for computer science subject leaders

This academic year has been one like no other, but with every challenge comes an opportunity. With the summer term just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to get ahead of September. Whether you’re an established subject leader, or excited to be moving into your first leadership post; the Teach Computing offer has grown significantly this last year, meaning we’re on hand to support you and your department's journey.

Whether you’re looking for support ahead of the return to terminal exams, teacher subject knowledge, support with best teaching practice, teaching materials - we have everything to support your journey.

Computer Science Accelerator

Have you, or members of your department, completed the Computer Science Accelerator (CSA) programme yet? Now is the perfect time! Having multiple members of your department complete the programme opens many doors for collaboration, meaning the CPD is well and truly continuous. It also means you’ll receive multiple CSA bursaries. Time is running out though, so make sure you complete the programme by 31 July to be guaranteed a payment for your school.

If you’ve already received your September 2022 departmental timetable, now would be the perfect opportunity to match new teachers with the CSA programme. We have new courses, residentials, intensive CPD, and much more to support new, and experienced, teachers this summer.

Get ready for the GCSE exam period

With the summer 2022 exams just around the corner, these new courses are perfect CPD opportunities for members of your department.

  1. OCR, AQA, and Pearson - Python programming constructs - sequencing, selection and iteration. Whether your department is delivering GCSE Computer Science to the OCR, AQA, or Pearson specifications, we’ve realigned our 'Python programming constructs - sequencing, selection and iteration' course to each of them to meet your needs. The CPD you receive will be purposefully aligned to the awarding body your department delivers.
  2. Supporting GCSE computer science students at grades 1-3. Looking for strategies to support students aiming to achieve a GCSE grade 1-3? This new, one-day course does exactly that! You’ll explore: literacy and mathematical strategies that be used in the classroom; knowledge and recall strategies; and how marking and feedback can have a positive impact on your students. Click here to find a date suitable for you or your team.

Caption: A pair of teachers learn to programme in Python at one our recent live training events.

Residentials and intensive CPD

We’ve listened to you and launched our summer term of residential and intensive CPD. Focused around the Computer Science Accelerator programme, these 2 or 3 day packages allow you to fully immerse yourself in your CPD needs. We have different opportunities available, for both new and experienced teachers.

Both residential and intensive CPD packages are free for teachers in state-funded schools, with generous CSA bursaries also available. So, why not book your place - obtain high-quality CPD, meet like minded colleagues and develop your subject knowledge ahead of the summer?

The full Computer Science Accelerator offer can be viewed on the courses page.

Celebrate your achievement

Upon completion, you’ll become eligible for our Summer Celebration events, which are exclusively for graduates of the CSA and are being held at a number of exciting venues such as Bletchley Park. Invites will be sent in May via email - so make sure you’ve finished your certificate so that you don’t miss out! Places at all events will be available to book on a first-come, first-served basis.

Computing Quality Framework

This year we launched the Computing Quality Framework, which is designed to support leaders of varying experience. The framework is intended to help you review your department's progress in developing the computing curriculum. The framework takes you through each aspect of computing, helping you to access the NCCE’s wide range of resources, reports, and progress. Best of all, it’s free and can be accessed on the Computing Quality Framework website.

Teach Computing Curriculum

This summer, why not expand your Key Stage 3 & 4 curriculum? Our Teach Computing Curriculum covers all the topics included on the curriculum, in a fun and engaging way for students. We’ve recently been updating resources, so why not download a new unit, to try out in the classroom?