National Centre for Computing Education

The home of computing education! 🖥️ We provide a comprehensive programme of teacher CPD (free for educators from state-funded schools and colleges), high-quality resources for all key stages and a local network of support through our Computing Hubs. Follow us to keep up with the latest news in the world of computing education - National Centre for Computing Education

On Friday, 27 September, we took ten Year 8 girls to Bletchley Park for the "I Belong in Computing: Empowering Girls" event, hosted by the National Centre for Computing Education’s St Clement Danes School Computing Hub, which serves schools across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, and West Berkshire. Upon arrival, we attended inspirational talks from Mandy Quinton (St Clement Danes School) and Susan Adams (Ucantoo). Su shared her journey to founding a tech company, while Mandy spoke about her daughter’s career in programming. One student reflected, “I was shocked to discover that only 20% of girls take GCSE Computing. I hope this changes in the future.” Afterwards, we toured Bletchley Park. Our guide, Debra, brought its history to life. It was fascinating to learn that 75% of the workforce at Bletchley was female, and that female messenger riders were allowed to carry firearms on their motorbikes, which was unheard of at the time! We also learned about the Polish contribution to codebreaking, with Polish mathematicians having broken the Enigma code as early as 1932, before sharing their work with British and French authorities in 1939, shortly before Poland was invaded. Following lunch, the girls explored the Mansion, where the first Codebreakers worked, and Hut 8, where German Naval Enigma messages were decoded. A highlight of this was Alan Turing’s office, which has been recreated to look as it did during World War Two. We then attended a workshop on "Past, Present, and Future Encryption," where the girls tried a Vigenère cipher simulation and learned about modern encryption methods. Finally, a closing talk encouraged the girls to consider GCSE Computer Science. One student shared, “I loved the inspirational talk. It was amazing to think about how many things we can do today, and that we were standing in the place where they broke the German codes, which helped win the war." We would like to express our thanks to everyone involved in organising this event. We hope it inspires more girls to take GCSE Computer Science in future. As one student said, “The trip was an amazing experience. I learned so much about the Codebreakers in WW2, and it was very interactive. Everyone was so friendly, and the activities were really fun. I’d love to go again and would definitely recommend it.”

Happy #CyberSecurityAwarenessMonth! 🛡️ Cybersecurity is an exciting and vital career path - every year, 600 million people globally are affected by cybercrime. Today, we're highlighting one firm in this area that has gender equality at the forefront of their minds - training provider, Phishing Tackle "We are aware that the tech industry is synonymous with being a male-dominated industry, the great thing about Phishing Tackle is we have no care for anyone's gender. What matters to us is whether you are passionate about what you do and the industry. Can you do the job, and do it well? Will you fit into our 'be yourself culture'? If the answer to the above is yes, you are hired more than likely!" #CSAM #Online Center for Internet Security

⭐️ Pleased to share that I’ve just completed the live online National Centre for Computing Education Online Safety Through Primary Computing course. This experience has not only updated my knowledge of online safety policies but also provided access to fantastic resources. I’m also eager to dive into Project Evolve, which offers in-depth online safety lessons as stated as one of the great resources discussed during the course. Plus, this course is a key step towards my Primary Certificate in Computing, which I’m excited to continue developing. Looking forward to implementing what I’ve learned! #OnlineSafety #NCCE #ComputingEducation

🌟 Happy #AdaLovelaceDay! 🌟 Today, we're celebrating Ada Lovelace and the incredible women who are driving innovation in tech in the present day. Through our I Belong programme, we’re dedicated to creating a more inclusive future for women in STEM, just as Ada envisioned 💻💡 With us, you can empower and inspire the next generation of women in computer science. Whether you teach KS2 or KS3, our programme will help you learn how to make a real impact! Enrol today 👉 ncce.io/i-belong #WomenInSTEM #AdaLovelaceDay #Computing #ComputerScience

I highly encourage #primaryteachers to engage with and promote the ‘I Belong’ programme by the National Centre for Computing Education in your schools. Raise aspirations for your students, help to bridge the gap to secondary #STEM subjects and provide pathways to future careers and opportunities they may never have thought were possible! Feel free to read this article where I discuss our school’s experiences of gender equity in STEM and how to get involved with ‘I Belong’. https://lnkd.in/eDm3esr3 STEM Learning UK

🎉 Excited to share that I’ve completed the Leading Primary Computing - Module 1 course! This experience has equipped me with the tools to enhance our school's computing curriculum through a clear vision, effective assessment strategies, and tailored teaching approaches to support all learners. I’m eager to foster a passion for computing with planned enrichment and extracurricular activities, ensuring our resources align with best practices. Additionally, I’m committed to leading the development of others, inspiring our entire school community. To further this commitment, we’ve registered for the NCCE Computing Quality Framework to review and improve our computing curriculum. Thank you National Centre for Computing Education for a brilliant day of CPD! 🎉

It brings us true joy to celebrate the most active STEM Ambassadors of the last academic year. A round of applause for the Regional Officer of Sir Robert McAlpine, Paula. 👏 Think you could eclipse her in 2025? 😎 We are looking for volunteers from a wide range of backgrounds and industries who use computing skills in their roles to support student activities. Submit your interest here: https://lnkd.in/eC7hKeKZ #Skills #Career Department for Education

Really pleased to have completed the ‘Teaching Computing Systems and Networks to 5 to 11 year olds’ as part of my Teach Primary Computing certificate awarded by BCS, The Chartered Institute of IT. A great course. Thank you National Centre for Computing Education for providing a fantastic free opportunity for educators. I am now able to help young learners develop their understanding of: - Computing systems. - Input, process, output model. - Examine the impacts of systems that consist of multiple interconnected devices and multiple connected networks. - The difference between the Internet and a network.

Thank you National Centre for Computing Education for the fab ‘I belong’ posters - already proudly displaying them in my classroom! #ComputerScienceIsForEveryone