Computer science is not just programming. According to Tristan Kirkpatrick it's also problem solving, breaking challenges into steps & logical thinking. In talking about the subject for Huh: curriculum conversations between subject and senior leaders, Tristan argues that it's all about resilience, where 'failing' is a fundamental part of reaching a solution. This is a great lesson for pupils to learn. For some, it takes time. You have to take small steps.
Tristan makes the case that pupils are equipped with the power to change the world through high-quality computer science. Looking beyond binary code, the subject builds problem-solving, resilience and curiosity and he sees his role as inspiring his classes through cutting-edge, challenging computing.
‘It’s important to teach the fundamentals really well: sequence, selection and iteration are the cornerstones of the subject; you would want all Year 9 students to be experts in sequencing, to understand and be able to apply selection in different contexts, and to understand and be able to use iteration, as that is quite a difficult concept to grasp.
‘Beyond the cornerstones, you want to inspire a spark in young people, and computer science is a great subject for provoking sparks: it is so broad in its application, and at the same time, the concepts underpinning it are quite precise. The broad applications of those key concepts can be a real benefit when engaging students – you see the spark in students when they develop a program that moves something, or when they build a website that sells something.
‘Some of the best examples of lessons in programming are the ones using mini-whiteboards for checking and understanding. You can begin a programming lesson by asking students to write a sequence on how to make a cup of tea. Computer science is not just about programming, it is also about problem solving and being able to break a problem into a series of steps. That is why computer science is so important for students, because what they learn is so transferable to lots of other subjects, even down to being able to use abstraction and decomposition to prioritise the revision they need to do for their GCSEs. Essentially, computer science is about being able to think logically – computational thinking.
‘Computer science has gone through real change. Staff have upskilled nationally and are teaching the subject with more creativity and confidence in their skills. It takes professional bravery to overcome self-doubt and engage with the professional learning needed to teach computer science.
‘The ever-changing landscape of technology sees new topics arising. For example the importance of digital literacy; artificial intelligence has already begun creeping in; ethics in computing-self-driving cars, all of which provide stimulating material and dilemmas for young people. And from these real life examples, new curriculum roots will emerge.’
Some helpful resources for colleagues line managing computing
1. The national curriculum computing programmes of study
2. ‘What is computational thinking?’
3. ‘Policy briefing on teachers of computing’
If you’d like to know more, you can watch the full conversation with Tristan on Myatt & Co (£/free trial)
Until next time
Mary
And when you’re ready, you might find these helpful for curriculum and leadership development in your school
NEW: Huh Leadership Lobby: a blended, self-paced course with live check-ins, led by me and Andrew Morrish. It is designed for aspiring, new and established leaders, and starts April 2023, places are limited. You can sign up for a free online webinar on Thursday 9 February 7-8pm
Huh Curriculum Leaders Course: UPDATE: We’ve just finished the January - February 2023 cohort. We’ll be opening up for the June course soon, and you can sign up here if you’d like to know more
The spring Primary Subject Networks now available to book, live and recorded (£/free trial). Due to demand we are planning secondary subject networks, details to follow