Welcome to the resources page for secondary Computing. The subject area of computing is an ever evolving one. From the initial inception incorporating Computer Science, Information Technology and Digital Literacy to the upcoming curriculum review that will incorporate the new technological advancements including AI.
The programme of study at present states:
A high-quality computing education equips pupils to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world. Computing has deep links with mathematics, science and design and technology, and provides insights into both natural and artificial systems. The core of computing is computer science, in which pupils are taught the principles of information and computation, how digital systems work and how to put this knowledge to use through programming.
The curriculum review key findings were:
- The review found that current secondary Programmes of Study are too short (only three bullet points at Key Stage 4), leading to inconsistent teaching. It recommends updating the curriculum to provide greater clarity at every key stage.
- Integration of AI: To keep the subject relevant, the refreshed Programmes of Study and GCSE specifications will explicitly incorporate Artificial Intelligence (AI) and real-world applications.
- Digital Literacy: There is a renewed focus on ensuring students build the essential digital literacy required for both future work and everyday life.
- GCSE Transition: The review recommends replacing the current GCSE Computer Science with a broader Computing GCSE.
- Breadth of Study: This new qualification is intended to reflect the full breadth of the subject—including Information Technology and digital skills—rather than focusing almost exclusively on computer science.
With technology embedded in all aspects of life, it is becoming increasingly important to ensure students can safely access materials and resources and use and understand technology to allow them to adapt and thrive in a technology-driven world, use technology safely, and fully engage with learning across the whole curriculum.
Useful resources:
- Curriculum – Moving forward Oak National Academy will be funded to develop, update and produce resources to meet the current and new national curriculum.
- Oak National Academy – KS3 and KS4 Core and KS4 GCSE
- Teach Computing legacy materials
- CPD – Teach Computing offer self-paced CPD opportunities and accredited certification for subject knowledge enhancement
Local CAS communities are set up to support both teachers and subject leaders. Free termly meetings offer support, resources and the sharing of best practice.
CPD
National Centre for Computing Education Computing Courses for teachers all self-paced as well as accredited certification and residentials.
Computing at school Sharing resources, encouraging discussions, connecting through events and reporting on news and views from across our diverse community
micro:bit professional development
Apple Teacher Discover new ways to enhance teaching and learning by integrating iPad, Mac and apps into the lessons you teach every day. From creativity to coding, you’ll find fun and easy activities, project guides and inspiring ideas to help you make more meaningful learning experiences for your students.
Code.Org More than one million teachers have brought CS to their students using Code.org. We make it easy, no matter your background.
Resources
Oak National Academy – Updated and continued development of resources for KS1 – KS4
National Centre for Computing Education - Teach Computing Curriculum: Legacy materials you may need to teach computing at key stages 1 to 4.
https://microbit.org/ - explore ways to integrate the use of the micro:bit into the classroom
code.org - Explore the curriculum catalogue as well as interactive games and new AI resources
BBC Bitesize – A wealth of videos, animations and resources
TechSheCan - We bring tech careers to life through free, inclusive, educational experiences and resources, designed by teachers, for teachers.
Padlet of useful links and resources
Online Safety Resources
Promoting effective computing pedagogy (National Centre for Computing Education)
https://www.raspberrypi.org/research-impact/ (Raspberry Pi Foundation)
Teach Computing Podcasts
A podcast from the National Centre for Computing Education in England. Each month, you get to hear from a range of experts, teachers, and educators from other settings as they discuss with us key issues, approaches, and challenges related to teaching computing in the classroom.
Additional information tab:
- GCSE OCR CS - Link
- GCSE AQA CS - Link
- GCSE EDEXCEL CS - Link
- Computing Curriculum review 2022
- UK Curriculum review
ISAAC Computer science – GCSE and A level resources as well as student events etc https://isaaccomputerscience.org/
The views expressed in any links, documents or social accounts in these resources belong to the content creators and not NASBTT, its affiliates, or employees.