News - Craig 'n' Dave

The school initiatives worth keeping and the ones worth leaving behind

Are school policies and classroom initiatives genuinely improving learning, or are they creating unnecessary work for teachers? We explore why purpose, consistency and common sense matter more than simply ticking boxes.

6 November 2026

How do recommendation algorithms decide what you see?

Ever wondered how TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram seem to know exactly what you’ll watch next? Recommendation algorithms use your behaviour – not your opinions – to predict what you’ll engage with in real time.

4 November 2026

Why can’t Python count properly?

Ever typed 0.1 + 0.2 in Python and got 0.30000000000000004 instead of 0.3? It’s not a bug – it’s a fascinating quirk of how computers store numbers in binary.

28 October 2026

Beyond the IDE: programming lessons in the age of AI

One of the most persistent challenges in a programming classroom is knowing what every student is doing at any given […]

23 October 2026

If a NOT gate turns zero into one, where does that one come from?

How does a NOT gate turn a 0 into a 1 without creating something from nothing? Discover how voltage, transistors and digital logic work together to power the technology inside every modern computer.

15 October 2026

Ofsted after the Big Listen: have the rules changed, or just the packaging?

Ofsted has changed its inspection framework, but many school leaders question whether it has changed the culture surrounding inspection. We explore whether report cards can rebuild trust, reduce pressure and create an accountability system that genuinely helps schools improve.

9 October 2026

Should I make my own resources?

Should teachers really be making all their own resources? We explore the balance between creating, buying and adapting resources — and why thoughtful planning matters more than who made them.

5 October 2026

How does age verification technology work?

Can technology really tell how old you are? Explore the computer science behind age verification and the privacy and accuracy questions it raises.

28 September 2026

UTF-8 is witchcraft, right?

Ever wondered how your computer can happily store a simple English letter, an emoji, a pound sign and characters from […]

22 September 2026

Why teaching models keep returning

Teaching frameworks can provide valuable guidance, but when they become rigid formulas, they can undermine professional judgement. The goal isn’t identical lessons – it’s consistently effective teaching.

18 September 2026

Do GCSEs doom students to fail?

GCSE results may look stubbornly flat, but the reality behind the numbers tells a very different story. Why has further improvement become so difficult, and are we measuring success in the right way?

11 September 2026

Will Quantum Computers Break Encryption?

Could quantum computers really break encryption and put our data at risk? We explore the reality behind the hype, from qubits and Shor’s Algorithm to the future of post-quantum security.

7 September 2026

Is AI a panacea?

AI is moving from experimentation to expectation in schools. But as adoption grows, the focus must shift from simply using AI to using it well. Discover how schools can balance workload, learning, safety and professional judgement — without losing the human element of great teaching.

4 September 2026

Digital ID cards: The future of work or a privacy nightmare?

Are digital ID cards the future of convenience or a threat to privacy? Explore the benefits, risks, and debate behind the UK’s proposed digital ID system.

31 August 2026

Why does your phone get dimmer in the sun?

Ever wondered why your phone dims when you’re in the sun? It’s not being lazy—your device is protecting itself from heat, battery strain, and OLED burn-in.

28 August 2026

Do we really use database normalisation in the real world?

Database normalisation keeps data consistent and tidy, but in the real world, speed often wins over strict rules. Discover how companies like Twitter balance correctness with performance.

26 August 2026

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