The training is part of the University’s successful Technocamps programme and has been funded by the National Science Academy through the Welsh Government to up-skill teachers to become confident and competent to deliver the computer science curriculum, as well as support the introduction of the Digital Competence Framework.

The course, which has also been accredited by ‘Accredited Skills for Industry’ (ASFI), is delivered over 18 days throughout the academic year, with teachers meeting once a fortnight to develop their understanding of a range of computer science topics from robotics to Python programming.

The teachers celebrating success this week were from Pencoed Comprehensive School., Bridgend; Bryntirion Comprehensive School, Bridgend; Blackwood Comprehensive School, Caerphilly; Kings Monkton School, Cardiff; Ysgol Gyfun Emlyn, Carmarthenshire; Ysgol Dyffryn Aman, Carmarthenshire; Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Bro Myrddin, Carmarthenshire; Ysgol Uwchradd Aberteifi, Ceredigion; Dyffryn School, Neath Port Talbot; Tasker Milward School, Pembrokeshire; and Ysgol Maesydderwen, Powys.

Professor Faron Moller, Director of Technocamps, said: “It is fantastic to see all 13 teachers who started the qualification in September (2015) being awarded their well-deserved certificates.

“Technocamps’ ambition has always been to support teachers on their computer science journeys by providing essential up-skilling opportunities for teachers all across Wales.”

Modules range from programming to theory; these include providing an introduction to programming for teachers, teaching programming, teaching number systems and machine code and teaching programming in robotics.

Each unit is delivered through hands-on practicals and activities, alongside theory taught in an engaging style.  Assessment for each unit requires teachers to produce detailed electronic schemes of work and learning resources to support the delivery of a series of more than four lessons, which demonstrates the teachers understanding of how to deliver each unit’s subject content in an effective and engaging manner in the classroom.

Sufficient time during the sessions is also allocated for discussions of best practices, learning outcomes and suitable activities which will help in all unit assessments.  Deadlines for each unit are scheduled through the course, and formative feedback including suggestive improvements to assessments will be offered by the Technocamps delivery team.

The next cohort will start in September 2016, and if any teachers are interested in further information or signing up to the training please email info@technocamps.com.