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Cambridge OCR: Supporting Teachers, Inspiring Students & at this year’s Festival of Computing

15 May 2026

As excitement builds for this year’s Festival of Computing, we’re proud to shine a spotlight on one of the festival’s sponsors – Cambridge OCR.

A long-standing leader in UK education, Cambridge OCR continues to play a vital role in shaping the future of Computing qualifications and supporting teachers at every stage.

Cambridge OCR delivers a wide range of general and technical qualifications, including GCSEs, A Levels, Cambridge Nationals, Cambridge Technicals and AAQ’s. With a strong reputation in Computing, they’ve been at the forefront of Computer Science education since piloting the GCSE back in 2012 – and their commitment to innovation and excellence hasn’t slowed since.

We recently sat down with Ceredig, Subject Advisor for Computing at Cambridge OCR, on an episode of At The Chalk Face with Craig’n’Dave. In the conversation, we explore everything from curriculum changes to the future of Computing education.

Watch our full chat with Ceredig on At the Chalk Face HERE.

Why Cambridge OCR Joined the Festival of Computing

For Cambridge OCR, getting involved in the Festival was a natural fit. With a shared passion for high-quality teaching and meaningful student outcomes, their long-standing relationship with Craig’n’Dave made this collaboration an easy decision.

Their mission is clear: to stay at the cutting edge of Computing education while listening closely to the teachers delivering it every day. The Festival provides the perfect platform to do exactly that.

“For me [Ceredig], it’s an opportunity to continue building close links with teachers and educational providers. We pride ourselves on the quality and personalised service that we provide for teachers and students.

Seeing teachers face-to-face helps to deepen the connection between Cambridge OCR and those in education delivering our qualifications. More importantly, it helps teachers to bring a student’s perspective to discussions as well.” – Ceredig Cattanach-Chell, Subject Advisor, Cambridge OCR.

What to expect from Cambridge OCR at the Festival

This year, Cambridge OCR is bringing plenty to the table:

CPD Sessions – Including a highly anticipated session on writing short NEAs for A Level, designed to support teachers with practical, classroom-ready guidance.
Marketplace Presence – A chance to speak directly with the team, ask questions, and explore how their qualifications are evolving.
Fringe Event & Post-Event Drinks Sponsor – Creating opportunities for relaxed, honest conversations with teachers in a less formal setting.

You can check out all the details of the Cambridge OCR Fringe Event HERE.

With major curriculum reforms on the horizon – including changes to Computing qualifications and the wider education landscape – Cambridge OCR is particularly keen to hear directly from teachers. Your voice genuinely helps shape what comes next.

A shared vision for the future

The Festival of Computing is built on three core pillars: inspiration, innovation and collaboration – values that strongly align with Cambridge OCR’s own approach.

Their focus on fair, accessible and straightforward assessment ensures that every student has the opportunity to thrive. By working closely with teachers and using real classroom insights, they continue to evolve their qualifications in ways that truly make a difference.

To find out more about Cambridge OCR, visit www.ocr.org.uk or contact their Computing Subject Advisor team at ComputerScience@ocr.org.uk.

Join us at the Festival of Computing

Wednesday, 1st July 2026 – Festival of Computing, at Bromsgrive School.

It is going to be a packed day full of innovation, inspiration and collaboration for secondary computing teachers. And we are so excited to have OCR as a Festival 2026 sponsor.

If you’re a secondary Computing teacher, this is your chance to:

Gain high-quality CPD.
Connect with like-minded educators.
Meet Cambridge OCR face-to-face.
Be part of the conversation shaping the future of Computing.

Grab your ticket now and be part of it HERE.

A huge thank you to Ceredig from OCR for chatting to us!

You can watch the full interview with Ceredig on At the Chalk Face with Craig and Dave HERE.

Ceredig will also be at this year’s festival and running 2 of the CPD sessions on A level NEA: Downsizing and efficiency and Curriculum review and You! during the event, so make sure to book your spot on them ASAP.

Want to know more about this year’s Festival of Computing or the CPD sessions available – Click HERE.

The Festival of Computing 2026, co-founded and hosted by Bromsgrove School with AQA as headline sponsor, is the UK’s ultimate secondary computing education event.

See you there!

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AQA at the Festival of Computing 2026

Shaping the Future of Computer Science Education Together

7 May 2026

The Craig’n’Dave Festival of Computing is all about inspiration, innovation and collaboration for secondary Computer Science teachers—and this year’s Headline Sponsor, AQA, is right at the heart of that mission.

Recently, we caught up with Frances Sparrow (Subject Lead of Computer Science) from AQA for an episode of At the Chalk Face with Craig and Dave to explore their role in shaping computing education and what they’re bringing to this year’s exciting event.

Watch our full chat with Frances on At the Chalk Face HERE.

So, Who are AQA?

AQA is an independent education charity and the largest provider of academic qualifications in UK schools and colleges. They set and mark over half of all GCSEs and A-levels taken each year, including GCSEs, A-levels, EPQ and Technical Awards.

Working with around 27,000 teachers, lecturers and subject experts, AQA designs qualifications and resources that directly support classroom practice. As a charity, they reinvest income back into education, funding research and programmes like “Unlocking Potential”, which supports young people facing challenges in life.

Why AQA chose the Festival of Computing

Having previously attended the Festival, AQA were blown away by the scale, energy and quality of conversations with teachers. With Craig’n’Dave resources already widely used in classrooms, it was a natural fit to support an event where Computing teachers come together to share ideas, challenges and solutions.

“Having been a Head of Computer Science, I am very aware of the popularity of the CraignDave resources and what a godsend they have been to many teachers. It is clear that if CraignDave are organising an event that a lot of teachers are going to want to come along. We attended last year and were blown away by how many teachers we got to talk to and how well organised, inspiring and interesting it was. Computing teachers really value having a dedicated event at this scale where they can meet all the relevant people in their field and it was important to AQA to support and encourage that initiative.’ – Frances Sparrow

At this year’s Festival of Computing, what are AQA most excited about?

With Computing qualifications currently undergoing change, the Craig’n’Dave Festival of Computing offers a vital opportunity for dialogue with the community.

“This is a time of change for Computing qualifications so being at an event attended by so many Computer Science teachers is very exciting. Getting feedback from teachers about what they would like to see in our qualifications is very valuable for us. We want to take the opportunity to reassure them that we (AQA) are there for them every step of the way through the reform process, providing support and using their feedback to produce the qualifications that they want to teach and that will get the best results for their students.” – Frances Sparrow

AQA are especially keen to gather teacher feedback and reassure educators that they are supported throughout the reform process—using insights from the classroom to shape future specifications. The Festival of Computing gives them the chance to do that first-hand.

What to expect at the AQA stand

As Headline Sponsor, AQA will have a strong presence throughout the Festival, especially in the main Marketplace area.

You can look forward to a fascinating keynote from Natalie Perera, Chief External Affairs and Communications Officer, exploring curriculum reform in Computing, and AQA will also be running two CPD sessions, including insights from their NEA lead moderator alongside practical support for GCSE Computer Science teaching.

On their stand, Festival delegates will also have the chance to learn more about upcoming developments from the AQA team, and can expect a fun, interactive experience featuring the popular “rubber duck fishing” activity and AQA merchandise giveaways. It’s going to be great!

Why collaboration matters

At the heart of AQA’s involvement in this years Festival of Computing is collaboration. Teachers are central to shaping qualifications that are current, relevant and future-focused.

“Teachers are at the forefront of our minds at AQA and making sure that we collaborate with them at this time of reform is really important. It is the teachers who will inspire us to produce the best qualifications to meet their needs and the needs of their students. We are working hard to make computing education current and relevant and to make sure it stays that way in the years to come. This requires innovative thinking on our part as well as a constant loop of feedback and improvement with teachers at the heart of the process.” – Frances Sparrow

AQA’s ongoing dialogue with educators ensures continuous improvement and innovation in computing education.

Don’t miss it

Wednesday, 1st July 2026 – Festival of Computing, at Bromsgrove School.

It is going to be a packed day full of innovation, inspiration and collaboration for secondary computing teachers. And we are so excited to have AQA as this year’s headline sponsor.

A huge thank you to Frances Sparrow from AQA for chatting to us!

You can watch the full interview with Frances on At the Chalk Face with Craig and Dave HERE.

Want to know more about this year’s Festival of Computing or the CPD sessions available – Click HERE.

If you’re attending the Festival of Computing this year, make sure you visit AQA in the marketplace, attend their CPD sessions, and hear their keynote.

Still need tickets? Get yours HERE.

The Festival of Computing 2026, co-founded and hosted by Bromsgrove School with AQA as headline sponsor, is the UK’s ultimate secondary computing education event.

See you there!

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Meet Dodona: A powerful coding platform built for real classrooms

8 April 2026

If you’re a computing teacher searching for a reliable, classroom-ready coding platform, then it’s time to take a closer look at Dodona.

In a recent interview, we sat down with the Dodona team to explore how their platform is helping teachers deliver engaging, effective programming lessons — without the usual headaches of setup, maintenance, or disappearing tools.

We’re also excited to see Dodona include our Time2Code pedagogy and problems to enhance the teaching and learning of programming.

Time2Code and Dodona

Time2Code helps bring programming concepts to life through structured, interactive challenges that students can work through at their own pace, building confidence step by step. By integrating programmes of study like Time2Code, Dodona are helping teachers to manage the complexities of managing, delivering, assessing, troubleshooting and tracking progress. It’s a great example of how the partnership of pedagogy from Time2Code and the platform from Dodona complements each other to augment the teaching of a critical but often difficult aspect of the course.

Built by educators, for educators

One of the standout things about Dodona is its origin story. Unlike many platforms that come and go, Dodona was developed by university educators to solve real classroom challenges — particularly around giving students meaningful feedback at scale.

With features like automated assessment, visual debugging tools, and detailed learning analytics, it allows students to experiment, make mistakes, and improve — all while receiving instant, helpful feedback.

For teachers, this means less time spent troubleshooting code line-by-line, and more time focusing on teaching, supporting, and stretching students.

A platform that supports real learning

What really sets Dodona apart is its focus on feedback for both students and teachers. Rather than relying heavily on AI to generate answers, the platform is designed to support the learning process — not replace it.

Students are encouraged to think, test, and refine their work through a feedback-rich loop, helping them build genuine programming skills that will stand up in exams and beyond. For teachers there are unique reports that help spot students who may be copying each other!

It’s also fully browser-based, making it ideal for schools where installing software can be a challenge — a common issue across UK classrooms.

See Dodona at the Festival of Computing

We’re delighted that Dodona are an official sponsor of this year’s Festival of Computing

They’ll be there on the day, so you can:

See the platform in action.
Ask questions directly to the team.
Explore how it could fit into your teaching.

Grab your tickets to this year’s Craig’n’Dave Festival of Computing now.

Watch the full interview on our YouTube channel ‘At the chalk face’ and learn more.

Want to dive deeper into what Dodona can do? Check their website.

Whether you’re looking to enhance your programming lessons or find a more sustainable coding platform, Dodona is well worth your time.

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Festival Of Computing OCR Fringe Event 2026

A sneak peek at the afternoon line-up

24 March 2026

The Festival of Computing 2026, co-founded and hosted by Bromsgrove School with AQA as headline sponsor, is the UK’s ultimate secondary computing education event.

Happening on Wednesday 1 July 2026, at Bromsgrove School the festival is packed with hands-on CPD sessions, inspiring keynotes, networking opportunities, and a vibrant marketplace — everything you need to sharpen your computer science teaching skills and stay ahead in computing education.

Tickets are now available!

OCR Fringe Event

The Fringe Event will take place in the marquee at 15:45, the perfect way to round off a day of inspiration. Tea, coffee, and biscuits will be available as you enjoy a packed line-up of short, inspiring talks from some of the brightest minds in computing education. This year, the Fringe Event section of the Festival of Computing is sponsored by Cambridge OCR.

Fringe Speakers

15:50 – Becci Peters (CAS/BCS) – Free AI CPD
15:56 – Matthias De Witte & Peter Dawyndt (Dodona Learning Technologies) – Dodona: your online co-teacher for programming classes
16:02 – Paul McKnight (VEX Robotics) – Competitive Robotics – Bringing Sport to STEM
16:08 – Pete Dring (Fulford School) – SEND in Computing: Quick wins for lessons, clubs & competitions
16:14 – Harry Wake & Anna Wake (Mission Encodeable) – Free Python coding tutorials to help students become confident, engaged, and exam-ready
16:20 – Kat Morgan (Mindjoy) – Talking to your AI changes the Learning Paradigm
16:26 – Becky Patel (Tech She Can) – Inspiring the next generation into technology careers
16:32 – Alan Harrison (Harrison Proserv Ltd.) – One problem, six solutions – stretch the more able programmers with SIX HACK!
16:38 – Gary McNab (The CODE Show) – Celebrating how 1980’s Britain entered the computing age

Don’t miss this fast-paced, insightful afternoon packed with tips, inspiration, and practical takeaways to enhance your teaching and spark your students’ creativity.

We can’t wait to see you there.

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VEX Robotics is inspiring the next generation of Computer Scientists

VEX Robotics – Bringing computing to life

18 March 2026

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

Their mission is simple: make engineering, computing, and STEM learning accessible, fun, and hands-on. Whether it’s building and programming a robot for an extracurricular club or preparing a team for a competitive challenge, VEX supports teachers every step of the way with guides, CPD resources, and online tools, all enabling us, the teachers, to bring coding to life.

VEX has rapidly become a global leader in educational robotics. Originally focused on building parts for competitive robotics teams, VEX has expanded to provide hardware, software, and teaching resources for learners from early years right through to A-level, and all of us at Craig’n’Dave love them!

From classroom robotics to competition

For teachers who feel intimidated by the word “competition,” VEX makes it easy to start small. Their classroom robots are designed to be plug-and-play, letting students explore programming concepts, sensors, and AI without worrying about complicated setups or fragile equipment. You can start with block-based coding, and when ready, move on to Python, making robotics accessible for all levels.

Even their competitive programs, like VEX IQ (Key Stage 2–3) and VEX V5 (KS3–5), emphasise collaboration over rivalry. Students are randomly paired with other teams, requiring them to work together, mentor each other, and strategise as a team. The result? Students not only apply computing and design skills but also gain soft skills like communication, problem-solving, and teamwork—the very skills employers and educators value most.

In the latest episode of At the Chalkface, Craig and Dave sit down with Chris from VEX Robotics to explore all things robotics in computer science and why it really matters.

Want to know more about VEX Robotics? Check out their website HERE

VEX Robotics is at the Festival of Computing 2026

We’re thrilled to announce VEX Robotics as a Main Sponsor of this year’s Craig’n’Dave Festival of Computing, the UK’s biggest secondary computing festival.

At the festival, you can:

Explore the VEX stand and see what they have to offer
Attend their CPD session, “AI Vision in Robotics – World Cup Fever Edition”
Discover how to introduce robotics in your classroom or after-school club.

VEX is also sponsoring the fantastic pre-event curry supper held at Bromsgrove School.

A special ticketed social the night before the festival. It’s a great way to enjoy a fun evening of networking, conversation, and inspiration. Spaces are limited, so grab your ticket while you can.

Curry night tickets available HERE.

Why you should attend

The Craig’n’Dave Festival of Computing 2026 is all about inspiration, innovation, and collaboration.

Whether you’re looking to refresh your computing lessons, spark excitement with hands-on projects, or explore cross-curricular links this is the event for you.

With engaging CPD sessions and keynote talks, a Marketplace packed with leaders in computing education—including VEX Robotics—and plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow educators, it’s an experience no teacher will want to miss.

Get your festival tickets now.

Reserve your curry night ticket while spaces last.

Want to know more about the Festival of Computing? Check out all the details about the day HERE

Want to check out the full interview with Chris from VEX Robotics on our At the Chalkface YouTube channel and hear all about how VEX is shaping computing education?

Watch the video HERE.

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CPD at the Craig’n’Dave Festival of Computing 2026

Book early to secure your sessions

24 February 2026

One of the highlights of the Craig’n’Dave Festival of Computing each year is the sheer breadth and quality of CPD on offer – and 2026 is shaping up to be our strongest programme yet.

Across the day, teachers and leaders can choose from three dedicated CPD session slots, packed with practical classroom ideas, curriculum insight, assessment guidance, and forward-looking discussions around AI, policy and the future of Computing education.

Important booking note: CPD sessions are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Some sessions are almost full already, so if there’s something you really want to attend, we strongly recommend booking your ticket now.

Book your Festival of Computing ticket HERE.

View full CPD session details and choices HERE.

CPD session 1 (11:40 – 12:15)

The first CPD slot offers a wide mix of curriculum strategy, pedagogy, assessment and hands-on inspiration.

If Year 7 are doing the new GCSE, what should KS3 look like? – Becci Peters, Craig Sargent & David Hillyard
A timely and reassuring session for curriculum leaders navigating uncertainty. This talk focuses on building a purposeful, coherent KS3 curriculum that is defensible, engaging and robust – without second-guessing future GCSE reforms.

Integrating the NEA into the flow of theory – Martyn Colliver
Explore ways to weave NEA preparation naturally into day-to-day teaching, reducing last-minute pressure and improving student confidence.

Exploring the future of Computing and practical onscreen assessment – Tim Brady
A clear, jargon-free look at Pearson Edexcel’s practical onscreen Paper 2. See real examples, understand what supports student success, and join the conversation about where Computing assessment is heading next.

Ada Computer Science unlocked – Laura Holborow & Alex Parry
Discover new Web and SQL projects, class management tools and assessment features that support both NEA and extended classroom work across secondary and A level.

AI vision in robotics – World Cup fever edition! – Chris Calver
Football-themed robotics meets AI vision. A lively, practical session showing how sport and computing can combine to motivate learners (with a prize for goal of the day!).

The 10 commandments of good programming – Richard Pawson
Ten fundamental principles that underpin good programming at GCSE and A level – and how to teach them implicitly using Python, VB, C# and Java, without students learning bad habits first.

Hack-a-Tune: micro:bits, music and computing – Pete Dring
A creative, collaborative micro:bit orchestra exploring music, networking, cyber security and code – no kit or musical talent required.

Teaching programming with AI: what the research says – Jane Waite
An interactive, research-informed look at how AI tools are changing programming education, with a focus on pedagogy, cognitive load and classroom practice.

Build it, train it, test it: machine learning in action – Tim Barette & Sarah Robinson
Hands-on approaches to introducing machine learning, AI literacy and ethics using accessible classroom tools.

Inspiring the next generation into technology careers – Becky Patel
Explore ways to motivate and guide learners towards future technology careers.

Physical computing in an AI world with micro:bit – Tom Doust
A look at how physical computing still has a vital place alongside AI-driven learning.

From policy to practice: building an AI safety net with EQAITE – Alan Harrison & Eleanor Overland
Discover the EQAITE framework for evaluating AI tools safely and effectively, with real-world case studies from schools.

CPD session 2 (12:30 – 13:15)

This session focuses on leadership, assessment, AI in practice and powerful classroom tools.

Meet the Smart Revise team – Craig Sargent, David Hillyard & Mark Plowman
See the latest Smart Revise developments, meet the lead developer and help shape what comes next.

A level NEA: downsizing and efficiency – Ceredig Cattanach-Chell
Practical guidance from OCR on streamlining NEAs, reducing workload and using the latest exemplars effectively.

Creating free, bespoke AI tools in Playlab.ai – Peter Marshman
Learn how to design custom AI tools tailored to your classroom needs.

Code Club in secondary schools – Rujeko Moyo & Helen Baron
Strategies for launching and sustaining Code Clubs using youth mentors, with practical resources you can take back to school.

Dodona: your online co-teacher – Matthias De Witte & Peter Dawyndt
See how this cloud-based programming platform supports confident learners, smart teaching and secure assessment.

Impact of AI in education – moving beyond the hype – Luke Harris
A grounded look at what’s genuinely working with AI in schools, and how to make informed, responsible decisions.

How to train your dragon: working effectively with SLT – Andy Colley
Practical advice on building productive relationships with senior leaders and strengthening your Computing department.

Create a 3D world in minutes – Rebecca Franks & Dr Tracy Gardner
A hands-on introduction to Flock XR, showing how inclusive, engaging 3D creation can fit into real classrooms.

Beyond “just ask another question”: building AI that can actually teach – Kat Morgan
Design AI tools with real pedagogical intelligence – from debugging buddies to cross-curricular classroom support.

Cyber security at key stage 3 – Nicolas Paul de Jong
Why early cyber security education matters, with an introduction to the Cyber Explorers platform.

Using the Computing Quality Framework – Simon Roberts
Explore how the CQF can support departmental development and improvement.

How the TechFirst scheme can support digital skills and AI learning – TechFirst (speaker TBC)
Learn how national initiatives can support AI and digital skills development in your school.

CPD session 3 (14:30 – 15:15)

The final CPD slot brings together exam insight, curriculum futures and classroom inspiration.

GCSE exam technique – Frances Sparrow
An analysis of four years of AQA exam data, highlighting common pitfalls and strategies to help students succeed.

Curriculum review and you! – Ceredig Cattanach-Chell
An update on OCR developments and what they mean for your curriculum planning.

Coding for climate action – Peter Marshman
Explore how computing can support sustainability and climate education.

Building computational thinking skills for every learner – Andrew Csizmadia & Harriet Page
Using unplugged tasks and Bebras challenges to develop problem-solving skills across secondary Computing.

How to create effective and engaging coding tasks – Harry Wake & Anna Wake
A practical toolkit for designing programming tasks that stretch, support and motivate students.

Using Smart Revise for effective learning from week one of Year 10 – Chris Sharples
Classroom-tested strategies for embedding effective learning habits early, with Smart Revise at the core.

Computing, AI and the new Ofsted framework – Dr Eleanor (Ellie) Overland
Understand how digital, computing and AI fit into the evolving inspection landscape.

Be ready for NC 2028 – Stuart Davison
A must-attend session on the move from Teach Computing to the DfE-funded Oak Computing Curriculum.

Misconceptions and errors in Computing – Paul Long
Identify common misconceptions and learn how students can answer exam questions in ways examiners reward.

Inspiring and engaging learners in Computing – Alan O’Donohoe
A high-energy session focused on curiosity, creativity and joy in the Computing classroom.

Understanding and planning student journeys in programming – Paul Curzon & Jane Waite
A deep dive into how students learn to program, and how making learning journeys explicit can improve teaching.

Don’t miss out

With so many high-quality sessions running in parallel, early booking really matters. Some CPD sessions are already filling up, and once a session is full, that’s it.

Secure your place at the Festival of Computing now: TICKETS

Explore and plan your CPD choices HERE.

We can’t wait to welcome you for a day packed with learning, ideas, and inspiration.

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The Craig’n’Dave Festival of Computing 2026 is coming!

Sponsor Information Hub

29 January 2026

The Craig’n’Dave Festival of Computing returns on Wednesday 1 July 2026 at the prestigious Bromsgrove School (B61 7DU), and sponsored by AQA, bringing together secondary computing teachers, industry experts, exam boards, and education organisations for a day of inspiration, CPD, and networking.

Building on the success of 2025, the 2026 festival promises an even richer experience, with high-quality CPD sessions, keynote talks, a buzzing Marketplace, and social events including the VEX Robotics pre-event curry night and the Cambridge OCR Fringe & post-festival drinks.

Whether you’re a classroom teacher, an education technology provider, or a valued sponsor, the Festival of Computing is your chance to connect, showcase, and be part of the UK’s ultimate secondary computing education event.

Press Pack

To support your own marketing, PR, and communications, we’ve created a 2026 Sponsor Press Pack. Inside you’ll find:

Official event overview and key highlights
Speaker and CPD session summaries
Ready-to-use social media copy and hashtags
Sponsor acknowledgements

You are welcome to reuse any content from the press pack across your own channels.

Download the Festival Of Computing 2026 Press Pack HERE.

Key Festival Links

Tickets: https://craigndave.org/product/festival-of-computing-ticket/
Official website: https://craigndave.org/conference/
Last year’s event video: Watch here

Festival & Partner Logos

For your own marketing or promotional use, we have official logos available for download:

These can be used in social media posts, newsletters, websites, or any communications where you want to showcase your involvement with the festival. Should you need any more information or material please get in touch.

Official Hashtags

Event hashtag: #FestivalOfComputing2026

Feel free to tag the festival and use the official hashtags when promoting your involvement.

We’re excited to have you on board as a sponsor for the Craig’n’Dave Festival of Computing 2026 and look forward to seeing you on 1st July at Bromsgrove School!

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Why you should attend the Festival of Computing 2025

The UK’s biggest CPD event for computing teachers just got even better

29 May 2025

If you’re a computing teacher passionate about your subject and always looking to improve your classroom impact, the Festival of Computing 2025, sponsored by Craig’n’Dave and OCR, at Bromsgrove School on 2nd July, is unmissable.

Evolved from the successful Craig’n’Dave & Friends conference, this event is your one-stop shop for fresh ideas, practical CPD, brilliant networking and real-world insight from leading voices in computing education — all wrapped up in one inspirational day.

A power-packed agenda awaits

The day kicks off with breakfast and early networking before the official welcome in the spectacular Routh Concert Hall.

The keynotes are where it gets really exciting:

Jill Duffy, Chief Executive of OCR, takes the stage in the afternoon with a keynote focused on the future of computing qualifications and curriculum development — a must-hear for every teacher navigating changes in assessment and pedagogy.
Alan O’Donohoe returns with “Relight My Fire” — an inspiring and energising talk about the power of computing education.
Craig and Dave share the latest from their world and what’s next for classroom computing.

Get hands-on demos during the Fringe event, and don’t miss CPD sessions from a wide range of guest speakers, updates from Raspberry Pi Foundation, CAS, Pearson, West Midlands Regional Cyber Crime Unit and AQA, to name a few.

To see the full list of who’s speaking and what their talks will focus on HERE.

So, what makes this year different?

We’ve taken your feedback and upgraded everything:

More CPD sessions – You asked, we listened. Now enjoy three 45-minute sessions, packed with classroom-ready ideas.
Bigger marketplace – A dedicated marquee space for you to browse the latest in computing education tools and resources.
More coffee stations – Because teachers run on caffeine!
A new Fringe stage – Hear punchy, engaging ideas from exhibitors and guest speakers in short bursts.
On-site accommodation – Stay the night before with limited rooms available.
Pre-event social – Curry Supper & Social on 1st July, If you live locally or are staying overnight at Bromsgrove School or a nearby hotel, join us for a curry and a drink! The pre-event social is a ticketed event. Get your spot at the table here!

Why it matters

This isn’t just another CPD day. It’s a genuine celebration of computing education — and a chance to feel part of a bigger, supportive, and forward-thinking community.

Held at the historic Bromsgrove School, with its stunning grounds and modern facilities, the Festival of Computing 2025 offers the perfect mix of substance, setting, and shared passion.

We hope to see you there!

🎟️ Ready to book your ticket?
Secure your place now (fully refundable if you attend or cancel in good time)

🌐 Want to see more from Craig’n’Dave?
Visit craigndave.org for free teaching resources, classroom videos and community updates.

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Meet the speakers inspiring change at the Festival of Computing 2025

6 May 2025

Get ready to be inspired! The Festival of Computing 2025 is bringing together some of the most experienced, forward-thinking minds in education and computing. Whether you’re an experienced teacher, a school leader, or someone passionate about the future of digital learning, our keynote sessions are not to be missed.

Let’s take a look at who’s taking to the stage to kick off the day and drive the conversation forward.

The Keynote speakers

Craig Sargent & David Hillyard – Co-founders, CEOs, and Conference Organisers, Craig’n’Dave

Craig and Dave aren’t just the minds behind the Festival of Computing – they’re the driving force behind one of the most recognised names in computing education.

Together, Craig and Dave will lead two unmissable sessions:

🎤 Session 1: Changes to the national curriculum and new opportunities

“The National Curriculum is rapidly approaching 15 years of age. The government is already undertaking a massive review of all subjects and all key stages. With this comes challenges and opportunities. Join us while we let you know what we are already doing to plan for the future.”

🎤 Session 2: Meet the Smart Revise Team

“A chance to meet the team behind Smart Revise, including our developers. Get early insight into features coming down the pipeline and give us your feedback!”

Jill Duffy – Chief Executive, OCR
🎓 OCR: Headline sponsor and the UK’s leading exam board for Computer Science

We’re thrilled to welcome Jill Duffy as a keynote speaker at this year’s event.

Jill is the Chief Executive of OCR and brings with her a wealth of experience in qualifications, assessment, and educational leadership. She’s worked across both UK and international education sectors, from primary through to vocational, and has a track record of delivering strategic growth and outstanding customer experience.

Her keynote is an important moment in the day – an opportunity to hear directly from the leader of the UK’s foremost exam board for Computer Science on where the subject is headed, and what that means for educators on the ground.

Alan O’Donohoe – Specialist Leader in Education, The Exa Foundation
“Relight My Fire”

Alan is one of the most inspiring voices in UK computing education. With over 20 years of teaching experience and now leading The Exa Foundation’s nationwide STEM enrichment work, Alan’s energy is contagious.

He’s known for creating engaging, inclusive experiences that spark curiosity in learners of all ages. Expect a dynamic session filled with insight and encouragement for teachers looking to reignite their passion for computing.

“Relight My Fire” promises to be a motivating, memorable talk that sets the tone for the rest of the day.

Session speakers bringing the Festival to life

The diverse range of sessions and passionate educators who bring the Festival of Computing to life throughout the day. Whether you’re exploring assessment, curriculum, pedagogy, or digital futures, these sessions offer something for everyone.

Here’s your guide to just some of the brilliant minds taking the stage this year.

🎓 John Palmer, Host & Conference Organiser & Michael Punt, Headmaster

A warm welcome from Bromsgrove School

We begin the day with a warm welcome from the host venue. John Palmer and Headmaster Michael Punt will officially open the Festival and share the school’s enthusiasm for hosting an event that brings together innovation, teaching excellence and a passion for computing.

Ceredig Cattanach-Chell – Subject Advisor for Computing, OCR

Ceredig brings an academic and practical edge to OCR’s computing offer. With experience as a teacher, assessor, and published author, he’s passionate about balancing digital skills with curriculum demands.

🧠 Session 1: Striking the balance

“What does OCR’s striking the balance mean for Schools and Curriculum? How do digital skills fit into an already packed agenda? This session will explore how our Striking the Balance report may impact Computing qualifications – and will specifically dig into how Digital Skills could be incorporated into the curriculum without curriculum overload.”

🧠 Session 2: Digital Exams

“View the latest developments for OCRs fully digital GCSE. Hear about our progress and journey. Review the platform and see how exams may look in the future. Discuss the implementation of digital exams and how we will maintain our J277 paper-based exams at the same time.”

🧠 Session 3: Additional Advanced Qualifications (AAQs)

“Hear about the latest development of AAQs. With the latest round of funding/defunding, this talk will look at how you can use AAQs to support those learners who may not be suitable for either A levels of T levels. Explore OCR’s offer of AAQs: Cambridge Advanced National in Computing: Application Development and Cambridge Advanced National in IT: Data Analytics”

Mark Calleja – Learning Manager for Code Club Projects, Raspberry Pi Foundation (Code Club)

Known as ‘Mr.C’, Mark blends storytelling, gamification, and AI into practical, hands-on sessions that make computing accessible and exciting.

🎮 Session 1: AI at Code Club

“A hands on, practical introduction to the AI projects collection from the Raspberry Pi Foundation, showcasing the wide range of easy to manage projects for your club. From facial recognition to decision trees and micro:bit, there is something for everyone!”

DC Adrian Bacon & DC Hannah Link – Regional Cyber Crime Team, West Midlands Regional Cyber Crime Unit

Bringing real-world context to the classroom, Adrian and Hannah’s session is all about ethical computing and prevention. Their work focuses on educating young people before they cross the line into illegal activity.

🔐 Session 1: Cyber Choices

“Ade & Hannah have developed a training video to help teachers and communities teach students the Computer Misuse Act. It’s been specifically designed to be delivered by non-technical persons and focuses on the ethical impact on both the offender and victim and the associated consequences.”

Alan Harrison – Director, Harrison Proserv Ltd (How to Teach Computer Science)

Alan’s session offers a reflective, research-informed lens into what it really means to think like a computer scientist — and how understanding “disciplinary knowledge” can change how we teach.

💡 Session 1: Disciplinary Knowledge in Computing

“What my Master’s research taught me about the “gaze” of a computer scientist and why it matters to you.”

Simon Johnson – Senior Consultant and AI Specialist, TA Education (Tablet Academy)

Simon brings classroom experience and consultancy insight together in his workshop on artificial intelligence. He’s also the author of 100 Ideas for Secondary Teachers: Outstanding Computing Lessons and the founder of #caschat.

🤖 Session 1: Using AI to teach computing

“Unlock the potential of AI in your classroom! Join us for an engaging workshop where you’ll discover how to leverage tools like Microsoft Copilot to enhance your teaching of computing. Learn practical strategies to support students with coding, reduce cognitive load, and to contextualise learning.”

Alex Parry (Senior Learning Manager) & Laura James (Learning Manager), Raspberry Pi Foundation

Alex and Laura share their expertise from the Ada Computer Science team and real classroom experience to demystify A Level web development.

💻 Session 2: Mastering A-Level web development

“Exploring core and advanced website projects for the NEA”

Rujeko Moyo (Community Coordinator – England) & Sarah Roberts (Community Manager), Raspberry Pi Foundation (Code Club)

Rujeko and Sarah share their passion for inclusive computing with a guide to setting up and growing your Code Club.

🌍 Session 2: Code Clubs in Secondary Schools

“Discover how Code Clubs can ignite learners’ interest in computing, enhance your curriculum and build confidence. This session provides a practical introduction to starting and running a Code Club including free access to facilitation resources, ongoing support for teachers and mentors, and exciting opportunities for recognising and celebrating learners’ progress through the Raspberry Pi Foundation’s annual “Coolest Projects” showcase and “Astro Pi” challenge.”

Ben Garside – Senior Learning Manager – AI Literacy, Raspberry Pi Foundation

Ben will explore how to equip young people to navigate the world of AI responsibly — a must-attend for any teacher tackling digital ethics.

🧠 Session 2: Adopting AI

“Empowering young people to safety and responsibly adopt AI tools”

Rebecca Franks (CLO) & Dr Tracy Gardner (CTO), Flip Computing

Rebecca and Tracy are driving innovation and inclusion in tech education. Their session looks at real-world impact from Dudley to your own school.

🌐 Session 2: Flock XR, the free 3D creation tool

“How schools in Dudley embraced 3D skills with Flock XR…and how you could too!”

Kat Morgan – Head of Learning, Mindjoy

Kat’s sessions focus on how AI can support both students and teachers in and out of the classroom — from automated feedback to engaging content delivery.

💡 Sessions 2: AI Tutors and Auto-marking with Mindjoy

“AI Tutors and automarking for 24/7 learning”

💡 Sessions 3: Lesson Hacker!

“Make your theory content enthralling with Lesson Hacker!”

Tim Brady – Subject Advisor, Pearson

With a foot in both industry and education, Tim brings insight into how Pearson is making onscreen assessment work for Computer Science.

🖥️ Session 3: Onscreen Exams

“Get a closer look at Pearson’s Onscreen Assessment of GCSE Computer Science”

Becci Peters – Computing Subject Lead (Secondary/Tertiary), CAS

With years of classroom and teacher training experience, Becci is a voice of clarity for both new and experienced teachers. She’s now supporting trainees nationally and contributing to assessment standards.

🎓 Session 3: Supporting students with A-Level OCR essay-style questions

“In this session we’ll look at the types of questions and briefly look at the generic mark scheme used for these questions and look at how to support your students with writing the answers to this style of question.”

Martyn Colliver – AQA Computer Science Subject Advocate, AQA

As Subject Advocate and a lead moderator, Martyn’s focus is on helping schools navigate both the AQA spec and effective pedagogy. His session combines two passions: functional programming and mathematical thinking.

🧠 Session 3: Functional Programming

“Building coding skills for A level – exploring functional programming using simple algorithms in Python and Haskell.”

Chris Calver – UK Education Manager, VEX Robotics

With a decade and a half of STEM engagement under his belt, Chris supports schools across the UK to bring computing to life through robotics.

⚙️ Session 3: Blocks to Python

“Supporting the transition from Block to Python Coding using Hybrid Environments”

Harriet Page (Learning Manager) & Andrew Csizmadia (Bebras Manager), Raspberry Pi Foundation

Engaging and accessible computational thinking is the focus for Harriet and Andrew’s session — ideal for bringing Bebras into your classroom.

🧩 Session 3: Bebras

“Bringing Bebras into the classroom: Engaging students with interactive computational thinking tasks.”

🎟️ Book your ticket today

The Festival of Computing 2025 is completely free to attend (the ticket cost is refunded after you attend the event) — all you need to do is secure your ticket now and join us on Wednesday 2nd July at Bromsgrove School.

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with subject experts, explore the future of computing, and take away classroom-ready resources and ideas.

Hope to see you there!

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The Festival of Computing 2025: The ultimate event for computer science teachers

1 April 2025

If you’re a secondary school computing teacher looking for cutting-edge CPD, inspiring speakers, and the chance to connect with like-minded educators, the Festival of Computing 2025 is an event you can’t afford to miss. This year is sponsored by Craig’n’Dave, Bromsgrove School and OCR.

After the success of last year, this year’s event is bigger and better, packed with more sessions, a larger marketplace, and plenty of coffee to keep you fuelled throughout the day.

What is the festival of computing?

The Festival of Computing is the evolution of the hugely popular Craig’n’Dave & Friends conference. Taking place on 2nd July 2025 at Bromsgrove School, it’s a full day of collaboration, learning, and innovation for computing teachers.

Expect hands-on CPD sessions, keynote talks from top industry experts, and plenty of opportunities to share ideas with fellow educators. Whether you’re refining your teaching methods or exploring the latest tools in computing education, this event is designed to inform, inspire, and energise.

What’s new for 2025?

We’ve listened to your feedback from last year and made some exciting upgrades:

New fringe event: A fresh addition where market stall holders will pitch their ideas on teaching and learning in computing.
Bigger marketplace: We’re moving the marketplace to a large, dedicated marquee on Gordon Green, offering more space and a better experience.
More coffee stations: You asked, and we delivered. Expect plenty of coffee to keep you going throughout the day.
More CPD sessions: This year, we’re switching from two 1-hour sessions to three 45-minute sessions, giving you more variety and flexibility.
On-site accommodation: Stay on-site the night before to make the most of the event (limited availability, book HERE).
Pre-event ticketed social: If you’re local or staying overnight, join us for a curry and drinks social on 1st July—perfect for networking in a relaxed setting. *Please note there are limited tickets for the curry and drinks event available. Please book HERE.

Want a sneak peek at the full agenda? Click here.

The location: Bromsgrove School

We’re thrilled to be hosting the Festival of Computing at the prestigious Bromsgrove School.

Bromsgrove School, with its 500-year history, is one of Britain’s leading boarding and day schools. Set over 100 acres of stunning grounds, it offers world-class facilities and a first-rate academic environment, making it the perfect setting for a day of innovation and inspiration.

Secure your place today!

Don’t miss out on the must-attend computing education event of 2025.

Secure your spot at the Festival of Computing and join hundreds of passionate educators for a day of learning, networking, and fun.

👉 Get your ticket here.

🌐 Visit Craig’n’Dave.org for more

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Cambridge OCR: Supporting Teachers, Inspiring Students & at this year’s Festival of Computing

Why Cambridge OCR Joined the Festival of Computing

What to expect from Cambridge OCR at the Festival

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