View from the classroom
teachers are asked to complete an evaluation on completion. The feedback we have received has been overwhelmingly positive. The students really appreciate the effort that goes into preparing the workshops and find the tasks fascinating and entertaining. Learning and progression clearly take place, but it is always satisfying as an educator to see how much they enjoy and participate in the tasks. During the last academic year the workshops proved so popular that we had to limit bookings to two per school.
How much training did the staff need to teach it effectively?
All workshops are delivered by fully qualified teachers who have degrees or have studied modules in Computing/ Computer Science. Prior to starting up the Digital Schoolhouse an audit concerning level of knowledge and confidence in delivery of the Key stage 2 Computing curriculum was completed. This was used by the programme director, Shahneila Saeed, to offer support, training and resources where required throughout the year. Although there was very little training
needed as all department members are Computing specialists, the support has always been very useful and informative. We were also given the opportunity to work with organisations such as Barefoot Computing and Primo. Collaborative working with such organisations is invaluable CPD for DSH teachers as well as the primary teachers.
There is an increased awareness of the need to get girls into STEM subjects - does the Project help?
I think the Digital Schoolhouse definitely helps to promote organisations, activities and events that are geared towards girls in technology. Working as part of the project enables us to make links with external organisations in the technology industry and I have come across some organisations that have a focus on promoting girls into technology. This is obviously beneficial to Woodford as a girls’ school and we are able to take full advantage of the opportunities available not only within the Digital Schoolhouse but with our own students also. We have already had a primary school book a workshop specifically for a group of girls who needed more encouragement and opportunities at engaging in the subject and exploring the various aspects of it. The girls left with a completely transformed view of Computing. All the schools who visit us know we are happy to offer on-going support to help carry the progress forward. Attending Digital Schoolhouse workshops also allows primary schoolteachers to keep up to date with the trending freeware and pedagogies best suited to delivering the subject.
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www.education-today.co.uk October 2015
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