This online conference focuses on the next steps for the computing curriculum in England.

Delegates will discuss how a high-quality computing curriculum can be developed and implemented moving forward - and how the sector, as well as the DfE, should respond to issues raised in Ofsted’s recent computing research review looking at the quality of computing education in England.

The event will be an opportunity to assess DfE initiatives aimed at improving recruitment and retention - including increased funding in the form of bonuses and bursaries and the establishment of the National Centre for Computing Education (NCCE) - and whether these measures will be enough to succeed in strengthening computing teaching across England.

It comes with Ofsted flagging that a lack of specialist computing teachers could have significant consequences for pupils education moving forward.

The keynote session will be with Samina Kiddier, Computing and Digital Skills Policy Team Leader, Department for Education.

There will also be a contribution from Mark Smith, Chief Executive Officer, Ada. National College for Digital Skills, on the future of computing education in England’s schools.

Overall, areas for discussion include:
• the curriculum - design - quality & standards - how to build on the current offer of computing
• responding to Ofsted’s recommendations following the computing research review:
     ◦ improving recruitment and retention of specialist computing teachers - impact of new incentives - practicalities of increasing teaching time
     ◦ ensuring online safety is rooted within the curriculum - enabling pupils to become skilful programmers
• school staff - teacher training provision - support and continuing professional development
• life skills - further steps needed to improve young people’s digital literacy - catering for children who are digitally excluded - preparing students for higher education & employment
• progression & inclusion:
     ◦ qualification choice at GCSE & A Level including increasing uptake - vocational options and progression to digital T-Levels - choices post-16
     ◦ smoothing pathways - encouraging uptake from underrepresented groups, including girls
• employment:
     ◦ pathways into digital careers - careers guidance in the sector and raising young people’s awareness of the options available
     ◦ developing the future IT workforce - coding for future careers, including cyber security - the potential of online play-based learning, such as esports, in building transferable skills
• equipment - keeping pace with developments in technology - how digital infrastructure can be updated to improve the delivery of computing education

The conference will be an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who are due to attend from DfE; DCMS; Department of Education, NI; and Department for the Economy, NI.