We are delighted that the Department for Education has confirmed that a consortium of STEM Learning, Raspberry Pi and BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT has been chosen to establish the National Centre for Computing Education, driving excellence in computing education across England.
The Government is committed to making England the best country in the world for computing education. In November 2017, the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced £84 million of funding for computing in order to increase the number of pupils in schools and colleges who study computer science at GCSE, AS and A level and to ensure there is a strong pipeline of digital skills. There is a particular focus on getting girls into computing and those in disadvantaged areas.
The comprehensive and ambitious package of measures to support and improve the provision of computing education in England will include:
- National Centre for Computing Education
An established network of Computing Hubs to provide continuing professional development (CPD) and resources for computing teachers in primary and secondary schools and colleges, and facilitate strong links with industry
- Teacher training programme
Upskilling existing teachers to confidently teach GCSE computer science
- AS and A level support programme
Providing support to AS and A level computer science students and teachers with high quality resources and CPD.
Minister for School Standards Nick Gibb said:
“As our digital industry makes an increasingly significant contribution to our economy, it is important that our computer science teachers are trained to teach the latest digital skills, ensuring young people benefit from a high-quality computing education.
“The new computer science GCSE has more challenging content such as computer programming and coding. This new National Centre for Computing Education, led by some of the UK's leading tech experts, will give teachers the subject knowledge and support they need to teach pupils the new computing curriculum. This is part of this Government's drive to raise academic standards so that pupils have the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in our outward looking and dynamic economy.”
Our Chief Executive, Yvonne Baker said:
“High quality, knowledgeable teaching of computer science is the cornerstone of achieving these aims. Evidence tells us this is fundamental to raising attainment, and driving up participation, particularly for girls. We warmly welcome this investment which will be instrumental in preparing young people for the increasingly technological world they will grow up in, and strengthening the UK economy.”
Paul Fletcher, Chief Executive, BCS said:
“It is vital that every child in every school has access to world-leading computing education, and this means that every computing teacher has access to the support that they need. The subject of Computing was only introduced four years ago and is still new for schools and that’s why it’s important to build on the energy and enthusiasm of the many teachers who are already committed to the success of this subject. We are delighted to form part of the Consortium and to continue to work with the community of Computing teachers.”
Philip Colligan, Chief Executive, Raspberry Pi said:
“This level of investment is unprecedented anywhere in the world for teacher training in the field of computing and computer science. It is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform the way that computing and computer science is taught.”
Find out more information about the National Centre for Computing Education and sign up to hear more from us as plans develop.