At the chalkface (for teachers)

Differentiation is dead

For decades, teachers were told that differentiation was the golden ticket. If we could just tailor the right task to […]

3 April 2026

It’s not in the mark scheme

Just because it’s not in the mark scheme doesn’t mean it’s wrong — Quicksort proves there are often multiple valid ways to reach the same correct answer.
Understanding the principles behind algorithms matters far more than memorising a single “approved” method.

27 March 2026

VEX Robotics is inspiring the next generation of Computer Scientists

If you’ve ever wondered how to make computing more engaging for your students, you need to know about VEX Robotics. […]

18 March 2026

Handwriting and embodied cognition

Handwriting isn’t an old-fashioned chore—it’s a powerful tool for thinking, remembering, and encoding knowledge. Craig’n’Dave combines video, handwritten notes, and Smart Revise to create a complete “eyes–brain–hand” learning loop.

20 February 2026

Significant pressure from Ofsted brings heightened expectations on schools over mobile phones

The DfE’s guidance pushes schools toward a phone-free day, raising practical, cultural, and safeguarding challenges. With Ofsted expectations looming, phones are no longer just a behaviour issue—they sit at the heart of modern school policy.

6 February 2026

Why are school exclusions rising? Causes, challenges, and solutions for teachers

Permanent exclusions in English schools have reached record highs, with nearly 11,000 pupils excluded in 2023-24—more than double the figure […]

17 January 2026

Fail safeguarding if phone used in school?

Should schools fail an Ofsted safeguarding inspection because of mobile phones? We dig into the headlines claiming schools should fail Ofsted if pupils are seen using phones.

9 January 2026

Unlocking the Craig’n’Dave Resource Centre

Discover the Craig’n’Dave Resource Centre — over 4,000 editable GCSE and A-level computer science resources designed by real teachers. Perfect for refreshing lessons, boosting engagement, and saving time in the classroom.

16 December 2025

The biggest curriculum shake-up in a decade – Part 3

Discover what the new Progress 8 and Attainment 8 changes really mean for curriculum planning — and why computing still sits in a tricky spot.
In part three of our CAR breakdown, we unpack the shifts, the challenges, and what they might mean for your department.

28 November 2025

The biggest curriculum shake-up in a decade – PART 2

From shrinking teaching time to a brand-new GCSE, the latest curriculum review sets the stage for the biggest shake-up in computing education in a decade.

21 November 2025

The biggest curriculum shake-up in a decade

The biggest curriculum shake-up in a decade is here — and computing is right at the centre of it. From a brand-new GCSE to talk of AI qualifications, Craig and Dave break down what it all means for teachers and students.

14 November 2025

High expectations from the first minute

In Computing, every minute counts. Setting high expectations isn’t about demanding work or creating unnecessary pressure—it’s about clarity. It means […]

7 November 2025

High expectations and homework: A culture worth building

High expectations are often spoken about in education but rarely unpacked in a way that feels practical and actionable. We […]

1 November 2025

When the cloud breaks: lessons for teachers from the AWS outage

On a busy Monday morning, teachers across the UK found themselves staring at error messages instead of lesson plans, thanks […]

24 October 2025

The hidden cost of non-specialist teaching in Computing

In secondary schools across the UK, a growing concern is emerging around the use of non-specialist teachers—particularly in computing. While […]

17 October 2025

Beyond the classroom: Why networking matters for Computer Science teachers

Staying siloed in the classroom can limit growth, especially in a fast-moving subject like Computer Science. Building external networks exposes new ideas, provides support, and helps teachers and departments thrive.

10 October 2025

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