Introducing Computing At SchoolAn Overview

Lee WillisLevel 1 Master Teacher

Computing At School

How CAS Started

Something is wrong – but I feel powerless

Something is wrong – but I feel powerless

How CAS started

If we get together,perhaps we can get

something done

Computing at School Simply a group of individuals, concerned about the

state of computing education in our schools Including:

− Teachers− Industry (eg. Google, Microsoft)− University academics− Members of exam board (eg. AQA)− Members of professional societies (eg. BCS)− Parents− Local educational advisers− Teacher trainers

Varied backgrounds, with common concerns

What is CAS doing?

Computing: a curriculum for schools

Influencing national policy

Directly support teachers “on the ground”

The Discussion Forum

CAS Regional Hubs

CAS Events

CAS newsletter

Primary Guidance notes

CAS conference

A national programme of professional development for teachers of Computer Science

Phase 1 £200k seed funding Sept 2012 Over 600 schools 70 universities 120+ Lead Schools 28 CAS Master Teachers 250+ teachers CPD courses 700+ hours of CPD delivered

Phase 2 £2 million (2 years – but 5 year project) 600 Master Teachers Primary and secondary Each MT supporting 40 schools Stability of GCSE numbers Development of classroom ready resources Towards a self-sustaining model

Network of Excellence Overview

Scenario 1: Your Computing/ICT Staff need training1. Teachers should join CAS (individuals)2. Your school should join the NoE (schools)3. Teachers should then contact their Master Teacher

(contact details on CAS Online)4. Schools will be notified about CPD opportunities (or

can find them on CAS Online).5. Teachers should attend local hub meetings to find

support from other teachers6. Teachers will need time and support to attend CPD

and assimilate new skills

Scenario 2: Your Computing/ICT Staff are Fairly confident1. Teachers should join CAS(as before)2. Your school should join the NoE(as before)3. Offer your school as a venue to a local CAS Master Teacher to run

training. This will support your staff in increasing their confidence in supporting others.

4. The new CAS Certificate in Computer Science teaching can offer teachers recognition for their skills and knowledge in this new curriculum area.

5. Facilitate discussion at departmental level about curriculum change; allow time to disseminate CPD

6. Encourage an atmosphere where teachers can try out new resources and approaches ‘safely’

7. Apply for the Level 1 Master Teacher

Scenario 3: Your Computing/ICT department have expertise

1. One of your teachers could apply to become a CAS Level 2 Master Teacher

2. Your school could apply to become a Lead School3. As a Lead School you could support other local

schools, particularly primary schools in your area. 4. You could offer CPD to other local schools, in

conjunction with Master Teachers.5. Give staff time to support non-specialist staff

Supporting teachers in other ways

Hub meetings – there are 90 CAS Hubs who hold termly meetings after school to support staff and facilitate networking

CAS Online – has a repository of 1200+ teaching resources and discussions on all topics relating to the Computing curriculum

CAS Online – join the discussion

Finally

Look out for a link I will be posting soon on the forum assessing individual needs.

Focused CPD will be created in areas of need and then offered soon.

lee.willis@shhs.org.uk @MrWillisICT