In this episode, Claire meets with Jonathan Chippindall: a part-time teacher and computing specialist.
During the episode, Jonathan talks about his passion for computing and technology as well as giving teachers tips and advice on how to deliver the computing curriculum. He explains how the new curriculum opened doors in terms of his interest in coding and engineering allowing him to get involved in developing resources for Barefoot Computing and pursuing his specialism.
Jonathan reassures teachers that it is okay to have concerns and worries about the computing curriculum; it is a challenge. However, he explains that help and support is out there noting Barefoot and the National Centre for Computing Education (NCCE) as starting points. He suggests that schools should be committed to staff development to ensure they are skilled and confident in teaching this subject area.
He also offers advice on how computing should be taught with a focus on computational thinking and creativity. Jonathan reinforces the idea that these skills can be taught through unplugged computing and can be delivered with limited technology and a small budget.
The conversation also covers Jonathan’s favoured kit and tech where he explains that the best companies also offer resources to teachers as well as listening to the primary community. The most valuable companies are ones which evolve over time so that the technology doesn’t become irrelevant or redundant.
Jonathan also suggests creative ways of getting technology into school such as teaming up with schools to create a ‘kit loan library’, researching computing hubs and empowering the strongest pupils to upskill other children and staff.
KEY TAKEAWAYS

Computing is a challenge.Teachers have the right to be worried about coding as they are being asked to teach something that they may not necessarily have experience of. However, there are free resources out there such as Barefoot Computing and the NCCE to provide support and empower teachers. Barefoot provide free workshops for staff and NCCE provide online primary pedagogy courses. Schools could dedicate staff meetings to upskilling staff in these areas.
Unplugged computing is just as important.Computing doesn’t just mean using the technology. The Barefoot model involves six skills that make up computational thinking which can all be taught through unplugged activities.
Computational thinking should be at the root of all IT teaching.The opening line of the new computing curriculum doesn’t mention programming or coding - it mentions computational thinking. This means developing problem solving skills: what are the steps to solve it? How can I break this problem down? These skills should be the main focus in all computing teaching.
Teachers should allow for creativity in computing lessons.Jonathan mentions the importance of trying not to have lessons that are too scaffolded. Copying code that children might have seen in a resource means that the children are just recreating. In these cases, programming is not being taught: the children themselves are being programmed. Creativity in lessons encourages children to be innovative and to be designers.
The pupils themselves can support you.Get pupils supporting you. Some pupils are very confident with technology. These children could be ‘Computing Ambassadors’, supporting other pupils and yourself.
Invest in high quality kit and training for teachers.Jonathan suggests that the best use of funding is ensuring that new kit bought is used and used well. In addition to this, taking the top 10-20% of any budget and putting it towards staff training can see greater returns in teachers’ knowledge and confidence. He explains to look for the companies that aren’t just providing the kit, but are also providing the support.
Chip’s favourite tech.Jonathan recommends the ‘Crumble Controller’ for key stage 2 as it is an inexpensive tool which allows physical computing. The company behind this technology listens to teachers