The UK Computing Curriculum 2014

(Copied word-for-word here to save wading through the original document!)

Computing

Purpose of study

A high-quality computing education equips pupils to understand and change the world through logical thinking and creativity, including by making links with mathematics, science, and design and technology. The core of computing is computer science, in which pupils are taught the principles of information and computation, and how digital systems work. Computing equips pupils to use information technology to create programs, systems and a range of media. It also ensures that pupils become digitally literate – able to use, and express themselves and develop their ideas through, information and communication technology – at a level suitable for the future workplace and as active participants in a digital world.

Why code in school (and how to get involved)...

Last night was the first Computing At Schools Hub meeting of 2013 in Redbridge with colleagues from Primary and Secondary schools hosted by Ilford County High School.

A very powerful video entitled “What most schools don't teach” was screened and if you are currently talking to year 9 students about their options (or indeed senior management teams about the 2013-14 timetable allocation) this video could be a very good thing to show.  Please take 5 minutes now to watch it if you can.

Computing at School

The Computing At Schools groups has been set up to promote the teaching of
Computing at schools. Members come from schools, universities, industry
and examiners. Members get access to a growing range of resources and
there are groups that members can get involved with to develop the
teaching of Computing. It would be of interest to anyone teaching A Level
Computing or the new GCSE in Computing. Teachers delivering ICT at KS3
may also be interested as there are useful resources on Scratch, Alice
etc... Their website says "Our goal is to put the fun back into computing at school".

Please see http://www.computingatschool.org.uk/ for more details.

If you are teaching computing within your secondary school (usually at Key Stage 5) this open working group has been recommended by Trinity Catholic School.