Experts appointed to drive excellence in teaching computing

16 November 2023

The National Centre for Computing Education (NCCE) has appointed leading practitioners and industry representatives from across the tech and digital sectors to support its ongoing strategic direction and aims.

The NCCE is the leading body for computing education in England, delivering a comprehensive programme of resources, CPD, guidance and pedagogy support for the teaching of computing and computer science.

Since its launch in 2018, it has created enormous momentum and opportunity for computing education, and this is now being built on in the second phase of the programme. To shape this work, two critical groups have been established – the Advisory Committee and the Academic Board.

Expert practitioners and industry representatives from the tech and digital sector have been appointed to the NCCE’s advisory committee to advise on strategic direction and provide valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities when promoting computing education to both employers and education.

Commenting on this new appointment, Chair of the Advisory Committee, Sir Daniel Moynihan, said:

“Computing is fundamental to a broad and balanced education, and digital skills are in huge demand from employers of all sectors. It is critical that young people can understand and engage with computing, whatever their ambitions and career destinations. The NCCE is in a unique position to equip teachers with vital computing knowledge enriched with valuable insights and real-world examples.”

Members of the Advisory Committee include:

  • Sir Daniel Moynihan, Chief Executive at Harris Federation (Co-Chair / Main point of contact)
  • Paul Tarn, Chief Executive Officer at DELTA Academies Trust (Co-Chair)
  • Elizabeth Barr, Networking Academy Lead UK & Ireland at Cisco
  • Pete Dring, Curriculum Leader for Computing and IT at Fulford School
  • Obum Ekeke OBE, Head of Education Partnerships at Deep Mind
  • Jennifer King, UK Schools Engagement Lead at Microsoft
  • Shahneila Saeed, Programme Director at Digital School House
  • John Winter, Chief Executive Officer at Weydon Multi Academy Trust

Members of the Academic Board, on the other hand, will quality assure the resources, guidance and professional development that are developed, curated, or recommended by the NCCE. The Board and its members will ensure that the NCCE champions a knowledge-rich approach to the teaching of computer science and supports the NCCE in its mission to ensure the subject is accessible to all children.

The Chair of the Academic Board, Professor Miles Berry, said,

"I'm excited to be chairing the Centre's academic board as it moves into its second phase, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to support STEM Learning in building on the NCCE’s track record of success. Teachers' subject knowledge remains central to the success of England's computing curriculum, and the Centre's resources, professional development and network demonstrate the high aspirations we share for all pupils."

Members of the Academic Board include:

  • Professor Miles Berry, Professor of Computing Education at the University of Roehampton London (Chair)
  • Rachel Arthur, Head of Computing at Teach First
  • Professor Sue Black OBE, Professor of Computer Science at Durham University
  • Professor Paul Curzon, Professor of Computer Science in the School of Electronic Engineering and Computer Science at Queen Mary University of London
  • Genevieve Field, Director of Initial Teacher Training at the Ambition Institute
  • Professor Michael Kölling, Professor of Computer Science at Kings College London
  • Professor Mark Lee, Professor of Artificial Intelligence at the University of Birmingham

To find out more about the NCCE and the work the organisation is doing, visit the website.

 

ENDS

For more information and images, please contact Steve Castle on +44 (0)7772 036148 or email s.castle@stem.org.uk

Notes to Editors:

  • The National Centre for Computing Education is funded by the Department for Education and aims to transform the way computing is taught in schools across the country and to enable more young people to benefit from studying this important subject. Visit teachcomputing.org @Wearecomputing
  • STEM Learning delivers the National Centre for Computing Education. STEM Learning is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to raising young people’s engagement and achievement in STEM. It is the largest UK provider of STEM education and careers support to schools, colleges and community groups working with young people. Visit www.stem.org.uk @STEMLearningUK