Computing Leadership

We facilitate the contract for the leadership specialism and work hard to support computing leaders in both Primary and Secondary schools and ensure that the training offered across all the computing hubs nationally is providing subject leads and Heads of Faculty with up to date, relevant, engaging and insightful professional development. 

The Big Primary Computing Leadership Conference - 12th December - 09.00 to 16.00 - Oxford Brookes University

Info and booking


This conference will help primary computing leaders to clarify their role and develop and implement a broad and balanced curriculum. You will learn how best to lead the improvement of computing teaching and learning, and to provide professional support and development to others.

The Big Secondary Computing Leadership Conference - 12th December - 09.00 to 16.00 - Oxford Brookes University

Info and booking


An opportunity to hear from  experienced department leaders, and based in the most recent evidence of 'what works', you'll come away with an informed set of goals and the tools to make it happen. Taking place across multiple sessions, you’ll get inspirational ideas and make connections with other leaders to help implement and monitor the impact of your Computing Leadership. 

The big computing leadership conference 23  wrap up 

Free NCCE Leadership CPD Courses

Leading Primary Computing - module 1 - FACE TO FACE

Learn how to evaluate your schools current teaching, your role as a subject lead and use this to develop outstanding computing teaching in your school.

Leading Primary Computing - module 2 - Multiple dates and times available - Remote - Dates, info and booking

Following on from module 1 - Focus on how to best lead the improvement of computing teaching and  provide professional support and development to others.

New subject leaders of secondary computing

Develop the leadership skills and management practices to confidently coordinate an effective computing department.

Other helpful courses for leaders

Primary - We have many general courses for primary computing, we wanted to highlight a few that as a leader you may be particularly interested in. 

Secondary - We have many general courses for secondary computing, we wanted to highlight a few that as a leader you may be particularly interested in. 

You will also find plenty of subject knowledge and other courses that you may wish to complete or signpost your department towards. 

Resources

Computing Leadership Forums

Feedback

Your thoughts, experiences, opinions and ideas are vital to us. We need your help to understand; what is important, challenging, a barrier to learning or a success story in the current learning environment. Please take a moment to give us your thoughts! We really appreciate it.

Your Leadership Specialists

Primary - Phil Wickins

My name is Phil Wickins and I am a primary school teacher specialising in computing, a senior Professional Development Leader for STEM and I am the National Specialist for Primary Computing Leadership, with the NCCE (National Centre for Computing Education).

I am dedicated to supporting primary schools and individual teachers so that every child can have a world leading computing education. I specialise in physical computing and 3D design; enabling students to maximise creativity within their computing projects.

I am a creative, versatile and motivated communicator with over 15 years of leading, educational and training experience. I have advanced problem-solving skills, I am a logical and lateral thinker with the proven ability to inspire confidence in others.

I have also completed the NPQSL – National Professional Qualification in Senior Leadership – and the NCCE Computer Science Accelerator Course, giving me an awareness of the preparation required for education beyond KS2.

Secondary - Alan Harrison

I’m Alan Harrison, a Lead Professional Development Leader for STEM and the National Specialist for Secondary Computing Leadership, with the NCCE (National Centre for Computing Education).

After graduating in Computer Science, I spent 25 years in the IT industry as an operator, operations analyst (a role now called “DevOps”), programmer and cybersecurity consultant. I have been a professional member of the BCS (MBCS) since 2006.

As Head of Computing at a state school in Manchester from 2018-2022 I gained the National Professional Qualification in Middle Leadership (NPQML), the NCCE Subject Knowledge Certificate (formerly Computer Science Accelerator) and the Teach Secondary Computing certificate. I am a member of the Chartered College of Teaching (MCCT) and I wrote the books “How to Teach Computer Science” and “How to Learn Computer Science” in 2021-22.

Alongside my NCCE roles I deliver bespoke training for local schools, run the CAS Manchester community, create content for Craig’n’Dave, lecture part time at Ada, The College for Digital Skills, and write a blog at httcs.online/blog.

Alan Harrison, BSc, MBCS, MCCT, NPQML

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