Welcome from CAS Devon and Cornwall

Dear CAS Colleagues

I wanted to formally introduce myself and the other CAS Master Teachers, currently working the Devon and Cornwall area.

stephen.ball@computingatschool.org.uk
claire.buckler@computingatschool.org.uk
john.bullen@computingatschool.org.uk
nick.butler@computingatschool.org.uk
paul.carter@computingatschool.org.uk
melanie.dennig@computingatschool.org.uk
lorraine.drybrough@computingatschool.org.uk
simon.elliott@computingatschool.org.uk
phil.gardner@computingatschool.org.uk
steven.gibson@computingatschool.org.uk
steve.greenhough@computingatschool.org.uk
jo.hawkes@computingatschool.org.uk
becky.hawling@computingatschool.org.uk
emily.jones@computingatschool.org.uk
marcus.lang@computingatschool.org.uk
clare.nevinson@computingatschool.org.uk
tom.riggs@computingatschool.org.uk
simon.rood@computingatschool.org.uk
janice.woodward@computingatschool.org.uk

More to follow .....

Steve Greenhough

Cyber Centurion National Final

On Friday 17th April I accompanied a group of my students to the National Museum of Computing to compete in the national final of the U.K. CyberCenturion Competition. This is one of the range of challenges run by Cyber Security Challenge UK. 

In this competition students aged compete in teams of 6. Each team are given a number of computers running different operating systems and given the task of securing them from a range of threats whilst also ensuring they can still function according to a scenario brief. Additional challenges include some forensic investigation of the existing data on the machines and associated logs. Teams competed in two rounds with the best eight teams qualifying for the final.

The final took the same format as the qualifying rounds but with the additional pressure of being filmed and interviewed during the competition by both sky news ( extended coverage available to sky subscribers via the iPad app) and BBC Click for an upcoming show. All teams got tours of both the national museum of computing and the Bletchley park museum as well as a swag bag including an exclusive t shirt, sunglasses and water bottle. 

After a busy day of competition the results were announced and prizes awarded in the colluses gallery which as well as containing one of the rebuilt colossus machines is also the world oldest purpose built computing centres having been built to hold the original colossus machines in WW2. the winning team (not mine!) were each given the unique prize of a display case containing a valve from the colossus and paper storage tape.

Entries for next years competition are now open and you can find out more details at http://cybersecuritychallenge.org.uk

Changing Attitudes To Computing

May will see the latest general election and depending on the outcome, a fresh batch of ideas to shape our education system. What this means in terms of Computing we will have to wait and see. Before you wonder this is not a political post but one looking to establish the importance of the subject. My underlining frustration is that although Computing is part of the wider science umbrella it is not treated as such or held in high regard in many of our schools.

Under previous Governments, including the current coalition, primary schools continue to be judged on their SAT's results with English and Maths increasingly being seen as the be all and end all. What could be regarded as traditional science is no longer part of this 'core' group. Schools are increasingly under pressure to show progress with their Maths and English, whilst other subjects appear to be pushed aside. So where does this leave Science let alone Computing? There is an argument that it is in a worse state now then before, with revision time used for the three subjects being focused now on just the two. With the removal of levelling and the introduction of new methods of assessment one answer could be to end SAT's and use this time in a more balanced way. This would help all subjects including Computing, however I don't see this changing anytime soon.

So what else could be done? Often schools are run by leaders who struggle with many of the concepts behind computing. It is important that this level of understanding is increased to show the benefits of the subject. This can be done in a number of ways. Obviously CAS has it's role along with other organisations but the part of the schools IT Coordinator can not be under estimated. If they can inspire the parents, pupils, staff and their SLT, it will unlock the doors to the subjects full potential. Easy right? In honesty no as primary coordinators often have several hats to wear with each subject demanding attention. This does not mean it is impossible though. There is a wealth of free resources and ideas already out there, ready to tap in to. Knowing how to access this is ultimately the key.

I recently attended the first Bournemouth Teach Meet, a place where teachers share ideas via micro presentations. It was a good free way of obtaining the type of information that would be useful to any primary coordinator. For a more in depth understanding the CAS website is another great place, but then again I would say that. Sometimes seeing and reading isn't enough though and hands on experience is required. This is particularly true with some of the more text based programming languages or higher level concepts. Attending CPD sessions can give teachers the skills and understanding needed in the most time effective way. It is also a great place to build up contacts that can be called on to share ideas or support initiatives.

So does this mean it should all be down to education and teachers to make the difference? The answer is no. I have yet to mention the importance of closer links between the different schools and local Universities but outside of this I have had a number of businesses contact me offering support in teaching/training in Computing. These are companies who have traditionally not shown an interest before when schools were delivering ICT.  It is this that makes me think we are at a turning point. The subject Computing is new in most schools and already causing interest beyond traditional educational institutions. Business is seeing a subject, which provides the skills/abilities for the modern work place, whether this is coding or the logical processes needed to achieve the required success for a company. If this trend continues, how long is it before jobs require more than the traditional standards of English, Maths and possibly some IT experience? Computing will be needed to unlock a careers full potential.

Returning to my original question which was why is computing not held in high enough regard? I believe people have yet to see the subjects full potential because it is only now being fully realised by schools themselves. The fresh changes to assessment alongside a developed teacher understanding will have also have an impact on this. I predict that in five years time Computing will be thought of as an essential part of a child's education. Maths and English will still have a hold but Computing will be alongside them contesting for that precious time in the classroom.  After all which parent doesn't want their child equipped for the work place?