Image source: BCS
BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, has launched an initiative to provide support for computer science teachers in secondary schools.
It has entered a partnership with the Hg Foundation – a charity that helps students from under-represented groups start a career in technology – and Microsoft to bring the latter’s Technology Education and Learning Support (TEALS) programme to England.
BCS is currently identifying schools and volunteers to take part ahead of an autumn start.
TEALS has been running in the US since 2009 and helped over 100,000 students into learning pathways in computer science. It is also available in Canada, Mexico, Israel, Colombia, Kenya and India.
Volunteers must have a degree in computer science or equivalent industry experience. They will go into schools to support teachers, particularly non-specialists, in teaching computing stage three and computer science at key stage four.
They can also link the learning to their work experience and provide enrichment sessions such as connections with employers.
Teacher network
BCS will help deliver the scheme through its Computing at School network of teachers, while the Hg Foundation and Microsoft are providing financial support and the latter is adding the guidance of the team behind TEALS in the US.
Julia Adamson, managing director for education and public benefit at BCS, said: "We're very excited to be working with Microsoft and the Hg Foundation, combining our resources and expertise to advance computing education in the UK.
“It's vital that everyone has enough knowledge and understanding to navigate the opportunities and challenges technology brings. TEALS empowers students by enriching computing lessons and enhancing continuing professional development for teachers.”
