Program Overview

Introduction to the Professional Development Program

The Welsh Government has awarded a £450,000 contract to upskill teachers in every secondary school in Wales in confirmed computer science.

Program Overview

Technocamps, led by Swansea University, has partnered with Aberystwyth, Bangor, Glyndŵr, and the University of South Wales and Metropolitan University of Cardiff to deliver this essential project. The program aims to provide teachers with the necessary skills to teach computer science effectively.

Program Details

• The project will upskill teachers by providing a taster session for a group of their pupils in various technologies, including LEGO Mindstorms, Scratch, and Python.
• The sessions will be delivered through practical teaching methods that can be transferred to the classroom.
• After the session, teachers will be encouraged to further improve their skills by registering for additional free continuous professional development training provided by Technocamps at one of their University centers.

Program Objectives

The program objectives include:

• Providing teachers with the necessary skills to teach computer science effectively
• Upskilling teachers in computer science to ensure they are equipped to teach the subject confidently
• Enhancing the skills of teachers in Wales to meet the growing demand for digital technology

Program Impact

• Over the past four years, Technocamps has provided inspirational computer science workshops to over 10,000 young people from 170 comprehensive schools across West Wales and the Valleys, as well as 50 primary schools throughout South West Wales.
• As computer science and digital literacy become a more significant part of the school curriculum in Wales, this new activity will provide the necessary encouragement and training in computer science for teachers teaching in these fields.

Quote from the Minister for Education and Skills

"Digital technology will play an increasingly prominent role in all our lives. For future generations to be fully proficient in using this new technology, it is essential that their teachers are just as proficient.

"That is why we are pleased to be investing in projects like Technocamps, which offer continuous professional development and raise skill levels – two of our main priorities, to ensure we can capitalize on the full range of benefits that digital technology has to offer."