Since the current national curriculum for computing came in, in 2014, it's probably fair to say that it’s a subject that many teachers have lacked confidence in, and understandably so. The new curriculum introduced a major focus on computer science, and for many teachers, even those experienced in teaching ICT, this was a new area in which many lacked not only subject knowledge but also experience of how to teach it effectively.
The National Centre for Computing Education (NCCE) is a DfE funded organisation that aims to support the teaching of computing in primary and secondary schools across England. Through a range of online and face-to-face CPD and support from local area computing hub schools, the NCCE is working to increase teacher confidence in computing and drive up participation and attainment in GCSE and A Level computer science.
For primary schools, CPD programmes are available for KS1 and KS2 as well as a dedicated course on algorithms and programming. This face-to-face CPD from the NCCE is free of charge for the first teacher from a priority primary school (schools in category 5 or 6 local authority districts). They will also be eligible to receive a bursary to help cover the costs involved in participating. The fee for teachers from state-funded schools or colleges outside of priority areas 5 and 6 is £65 per day plus VAT.
For primary schools, CPD programmes are available for KS1 and KS2 as well as a dedicated course on algorithms and programming.
A wide range of face-to-face courses is available for secondary teachers, including KS3 and KS4 programmes which are free of charge for the first teacher from a priority school (schools in category 5 or 6 local authority districts). They will also be eligible to receive a bursary to help cover the costs involved in participating. The fee for teachers from state-funded schools or colleges outside of priority areas 5 and 6 is £65 per day plus VAT.
The NCCE also offers the GCSE Accelerator Programme, which is free to secondary teachers of computing or computer science, in an English state-funded or state-maintained school, without a post A level qualification in computer science or a related subject. Generous bursaries are available to support teachers’ participation in the face-to-face part of this programme.
A wide range of face-to-face courses is available for secondary teachers, including KS3 and KS4 programmes
Online CPD, resources and other events are also offered by the NCCE, which are available to any teacher.
Herts for Learning is supporting the work of the NCCE and its regional delivery partner, the University of Hertfordshire. Face-to-face primary CPD will be delivered by HfL Advisers at Robertson House across the summer term, and is now bookable online.
To find out more about how the NCCE can help your school, and to register for courses and resources, please visit www.teachcomputing.org
Chris Carter
