Computing in UK Schools

In 2013/2014 the UK government made major changes to the ICT curriculum, most notably removing a lot of the traditional “how to use” content and replacing this with a Computing focused curriculum. As a former teacher at the time I went through this transition.

In this talk I outline what is now taught in UK schools at the moment along with some of the techniques and software programs used to get these skills and knowledge across to our youngsters. The talk touches on the role WordPress could and perhaps should play in the curriculum.

Transcript

1. Computing in UK Schools What they teach and WordPress’ role @wpmark markwilkinson.me highrise.digital
2. Mark Wilkinson Developer & Co-founder of Highrise Digital Using WordPress since 2005 Former teacher - 4 years teaching Geography and 8 years teaching ICT/Computing at KS3 & KS4
3. Why is this important?
4. Curriculum Pre 2013
6. Key Concepts • Capability • Communication & Collaboration • Exploring ideas • Manipulating information • Impact of Tech • Evaluation Key Processes • Finding info • Developing ideas • Communicating information
7. “Children are being forced to learn how to use applications, rather than to make them. They are becoming slaves to the user interface and are totally bored by it” Ian Livingstone, 2012 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-16493929
8. “In the 21st century there is a much greater need to develop learners for the future. The curriculum now focuses on thinking & problem solving skills, were pupils learn to create software and not just use it” Lee Small (2017) Head of Computing
9. From ICT to Computing
10. A Computing Curriculum
11. Key Stage 1 Key Stage 2 Key Stage 3 Key Stage 4 • Algorithms • Debug simple programs • Use technology ◦ Create ◦ Store ◦ Manipulate ◦ Safely • Variables • Input/Output • Logical reasoning to explain algorithms • Understand networks/internet • Effective use of search technologies • Safely use a range of software on a range of devices • Design & use modelling systems • Understand algorithms - sorting and selecting • Use 2 programing languages (one text based) • Procedures functions • Boolean logic • Hardware • Binary • Computer science • Digital media • Computational thinking • Problem solving • Online privacy • How technology changes impact us
12. Teaching Computing
13. Tools / Software Used
19. WordPress’ Role
20. Thank you Any Questions? Twitter: @wpmark WordPress: @wpmarkuk markwilkinson.me highrise.digital