The Government’s new computing curriculum means that primary aged children across the country will be learning how to understand algorithms, write programs, use computational thinking, and understand computer networks from September 2014. Without the provision for training or support from the Government, for many teachers this is a daunting task.
The course for Cambridgeshire based teachers is set to demystify this. The day is tailored to the needs of primary teachers, KS1 or KS2, with plenty of hands-on activities, workshops and presentations to help them gain confidence with the new curriculum. It will help teachers who may not know how to code or use algorithms get to grips with the new requirements quickly and build on current practice.
Computer scientist at Microsoft Research and chair of CAS, Simon Peyton-Jones commented, “As a membership association made up of teachers, parents, governors, exam boards, industry, and universities, our mission is to promote and support excellence in computer science education. The world needs children who are not just comfortable with new technologies, but understand the principles on which they work. Primary teachers need support and guidance in teaching this new knowledge and understanding. We are pleased to be in Cambridge to help local teachers develop our computer scientists of the future.”
Mark Chambers, CEO of Naace added, “Many primary schools are telling Naace of their concerns over the introduction of the new computing curriculum from September 2014. This course is an ‘absolute must’ for teachers sharing these concerns, as it is a real opportunity to gain practical advice, inspirational ideas and essential guidance. Many primary schools have been delivering an exemplary creative curriculum using technology; introducing more rigorous computing doesn't threaten this it just provides an opportunity to take it even further.”
For full information, keynote and session synopses and to book your place now, teachers should visit http://www.risingstars-uk.com/computingevents/.A nominal fee to cover venue costs, resources and lunch applies.
Cambridgeshire children to benefit from national computing training programme
19 February 2014
Cambridgeshire based teachers are among the lucky few to receive training on the Government’s new computing curriculum. Computing At School (CAS), Naace, the association of ICT in schools, and publisher Rising Stars will be offering primary school teachers across Cambridge a day of activities, workshops and presentations on April 2nd at the University of Cambridge, to support them with the Government’s ambitious new curriculum.