Will a social media ban really make schools safer? Or is it just the beginning of a whole new set of challenges?

With social media restrictions for young people moving closer to reality, schools could soon face some difficult questions. If mobile phones are already banned in many schools, will anything really change? Or will safeguarding, teaching and student wellbeing become even more complicated?

In this episode of At the Chalkface, Craig and Dave explore the practical implications a social media ban could have on schools, teachers and students.

💬 We discuss:
Will safeguarding responsibilities increase?
Could students become less likely to report online abuse?
How should schools prepare pupils for social media if they're not allowed to use it?
What happens when students suddenly gain access at 16?
Could educational content on platforms like YouTube be caught up in the ban?
What support will schools need from government?

As experienced Computer Science teachers, we look beyond the headlines to explore the real-world impact on classrooms and school leaders.

What do you think? Will a social media ban make schools safer, or could it create even bigger challenges? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

👉 Explore hundreds of Computer Science teaching resources at https://craigndave.org

👍 If you enjoyed this discussion, please like, subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss a future episode.

#ComputerScience #Education #Teaching #Schools #Safeguarding #DigitalCitizenship #OnlineSafety #SocialMedia #EdTech #TeacherCPD #CraignDave #TeamCompSci

At the chalk face: Why do pupils stop enjoying computing?

Are students losing interest in computer science teaching?
We examine the root causes of disengagement in the computing classroom.

Craig and Dave, former computer science teachers, explore the reality of student engagement in computing. Many educators assume students simply stop enjoying the subject, but we question whether the issue stems from a lack of initial engagement when they first start learning.

We break down the common pitfalls in computing education that might be causing students to switch off. By analysing the teaching computer science approach, we offer a perspective on how to keep the subject relevant and exciting from day one.

Whether you are a new teacher or a veteran, understanding these dynamics is crucial for a healthy cs classroom strategy.

We highlight how to refine your computing curriculum to maintain curiosity and look at specific strategies to ensure students remain invested in their learning path rather than burning out early.


If you teach computer science, work in education, or just care about the future of tech skills, this one is a must-watch.

Don't forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for more conversations from At the Chalk Face.

🔗 More from us:
Website & resources – Craigndave.org
Smart Revise – smartrevise.online

#AtTheChalkface #ArtificialIntelligence #DigitalLiteracy #EdTech #Teaching #ComputingEducation #ComputerScience #AIinEducation #Programming #CraigAndDave #EdTech #VibeCoding #TeachingComputing #coding #codingforbeginners #computercoding

Will AI replace coding in schools? Or is programming more important than ever?

In this episode of At the Chalkface, Craig and Dave dive headfirst into one of the biggest debates in computer science education right now: with AI and “vibe coding” exploding in popularity, do we still need to teach students how to code?

From the latest curriculum and assessment review to the growing influence of generative AI tools, it’s easy to see why some are questioning the future of programming in the classroom. If AI can generate working code in seconds, why are students still wrestling with loops, conditions and syntax errors?

Craig and Dave unpack why that thinking misses the point entirely.

This conversation goes far beyond writing code. It’s about what students actually learn through programming: resilience, problem solving, creativity, and the ability to debug messy, unpredictable outcomes. Whether it’s tackling a stubborn bug or building a solution from scratch, coding remains one of the most powerful ways to develop computational thinking skills that AI simply can’t replace.

They also explore the risks of over-relying on AI in education and industry, including the loss of junior developer pathways and the deeper issue of accountability when AI-generated systems fail.

Plus, Dave introduces a bold idea for the future of assessment: Code AI – a new framework for rethinking NEA that embraces AI rather than fighting it.

If you teach computer science, work in education, or just care about the future of tech skills, this one is a must-watch.

Don't forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for more conversations from At the Chalk Face.

🔗 More from us:
Website & resources – Craigndave.org
Smart Revise – smartrevise.online


#AtTheChalkface #ArtificialIntelligence #DigitalLiteracy #EdTech #Teaching #ComputingEducation #ComputerScience #AIinEducation #Programming #CraigAndDave #EdTech #VibeCoding #TeachingComputing #coding #codingforbeginners #computercoding

At the chalk face: The UK social media ban debate

AI, social media, and online safety – where do we draw the line?

In this episode of At the chalk face, Craig and Dave tackle one of the biggest challenges facing education, technology, and government today: protecting young people online in a world where social media, AI, and digital tools are increasingly intertwined.

With ministers exploring tougher measures around social media access for children, the conversation asks a surprisingly difficult question: what actually counts as social media anymore?

From TikTok and Snapchat to AI chatbots, collaborative documents, YouTube, and educational platforms, the lines are becoming increasingly blurred.

Join Craig and Dave as they discuss:
✅ The government's plans to improve online safety
✅ Whether social media bans can really work
✅ Lessons from Australia's approach
✅ The growing role of AI in education and online interaction
✅ The challenge of balancing child protection with digital literacy
✅ How potential legislation could affect schools, teachers, and learning platforms
✅ Whether educational tools could be caught up in future restrictions

As former Computer Science teachers, Craig and Dave explore the real-world implications for classrooms, students, parents, and educators, while asking what practical solutions might actually make a difference.

💬 We'd love to hear your thoughts:
What should count as social media in 2026?
Should AI chatbots be included in age restrictions?
How can we better protect young people online without limiting educational opportunities?
Leave a comment and join the discussion.

🔗 Discover more teaching resources and support for Computer Science teachers at Craig'n'Dave

Don't forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for more conversations from At the Chalk Face.

🔗 More from us:
Website & resources – Craigndave.org
Smart Revise – smartrevise.online


#AtTheChalkface #OnlineSafety #SocialMedia #ArtificialIntelligence #aiineducation #DigitalLiteracy #EdTech #Teaching #ComputingEducation #ComputerScience #OnlineSafetyForChildren #EducationTechnology #CraigAndDave #Teachers #Schools #DigitalID #Education #EducationPodcast #ComputingTeacher #ComputerScienceTeacher #TeamCompSci #craigndave #TeacherSupport #EducationCommunity #UKTeachers #socialmediaban

Are you thinking of leaving teaching this year? This is our story.

In this honest and personal episode of At the Chalk Face, Craig and Dave share the story of why they eventually stepped away from full-time teaching after years in the profession. From leadership responsibilities and workload pressures to mental health, career progression, and finding a new path in education, this is a candid conversation about the realities many teachers face.

Craig reflects on the stress and burnout that led him to leave the classroom, while Dave discusses the career crossroads that made him rethink his future in school leadership. Together, they explore the challenges of modern teaching, the importance of wellbeing, and why they still remain deeply connected to education despite no longer being full-time teachers.

Whether you're considering a career change, feeling overwhelmed by the demands of teaching, or simply interested in hearing the journey behind Craig'n'Dave, this episode offers a thoughtful and relatable discussion.

💬 We'd love to hear from you.
Have you ever considered leaving teaching? What are the biggest challenges facing educators today? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

👍 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for more conversations from At the Chalk Face.

🔗 More from us:
Website & resources – Craigndave.org
Smart Revise – smartrevise.online


#Teaching #TeacherLife #Education #TeacherWellbeing #Burnout #SchoolLeadership #TeachingCareer #MentalHealth #EducationPodcast #AtTheChalkFace #ComputingTeacher #ComputerScienceTeacher #TeamCompSci #CraignDave #TeacherSupport #EducationCommunity #TeacherBurnout #TeachingJourney #UKTeachers #TeacherStories

Are extra roles in school actually worth it? - Teaching Careers Explained

In this episode of At The Chalk Face, we (Craig & Dave) dive into the paid and voluntary opportunities that come along in teaching — from exam marking and mentoring trainee teachers to governor roles, subject leadership, CAS involvement, maternity cover posts, and more.

Some opportunities boosted career progression. Some improved teaching practice. Some created amazing experiences for students. And some… probably weren’t worth the stress 😅

Honest reflections, funny stories, practical advice, and a behind-the-scenes look at the twists and turns a teaching career can take.

Whether you’re an ECT, Head of Department, aspiring SLT member, or simply curious about what opportunities are really worth saying yes to, this episode is packed with relatable discussion and insight for computer science teachers and beyond.

👇 We’d love to hear from you in the comments:
What extra roles have you taken in school?
Were they worth it?
What would you avoid next time?

🎧 Subscribe to At The Chalk Face for more honest conversations about teaching, pedagogy, workload, careers, and computer science education.



👉 Don’t forget to like, comment and subscribe for more Computing education content from Craig’n’Dave!

🔗 More from us:
Website & resources – Craigndave.org
Smart Revise – smartrevise.online


#ComputerScience #Teaching #Teachers #Education #TeacherLife #SLT #SchoolLeadership #GCSEComputing #ALevelComputing #AtTheChalkFace #CraigndDave

At the chalk face: Teaching - Would we do it again?

Craig & Dave take a look back at their teaching careers and ask - If we could go back and do it all over... would we? 🤔

In this very personal episode of At the Chalkface, we reflect on nearly 30 years in education — from our first terrifying lessons and early career mistakes, to leadership, imposter syndrome, tutor groups, and the students who stay with you forever.

This isn’t a pedagogy-heavy episode or a resource plug. It’s an honest conversation about teaching careers, the realities of school life, and whether the profession is still worth it. Along the way, they share stories about:

🎓 Starting out as nervous new teachers
💻 Coming into teaching from industry
😅 Feeling completely out of your depth
📚 Why subject knowledge isn’t everything
👨‍🏫 Great mentors and leadership lessons
🚬 The “creative” ways they supported difficult students
❤️ The tutor groups and students they’ll never forget

Whether you’re an experienced teacher, an ECT, thinking of leaving the profession, or wondering if teaching is right for you at all — this episode will probably feel very familiar.

👇 We’d love to hear from you in the comments:
What have you done to reach the students that other teachers struggled with?

📢 Your turn: Tell us your teaching story in the comments! Why did you get into teaching?

👉 Don’t forget to like, comment and subscribe for more Computing education content from Craig’n’Dave!

🔗 More from us:
Website & resources – Craigndave.org
Smart Revise – smartrevise.online



#Teaching #Education #Pedagogy #CraigAndDave #AtTheChalkface #TeacherLife
#CraigAndDave #ComputerScience #atthechalkface #TeamCompSci #CraignDave #Teaching #AtTheChalkface #UKTeachers #ComputingTeacher #TeacherStories #GCSEComputerScience #ALevelComputerScience

At the chalk face: Cambridge OCR at the Festival of Computing 2026

We’re delighted to have Cambridge OCR as one of this year’s sponsors for the Craig’n’Dave Festival of Computing 2026!

In this interview, we catch up with Ceredig, Subject Advisor for Computing at Cambridge OCR, to discuss the future of Computing education, curriculum developments, classroom challenges, how teachers can help shape what comes next and what they will be up to at this year's festival.

With a long-standing role in UK Computing education, Cambridge OCR has supported teachers and students since 2012 through qualifications including GCSE Computer Science, A Level Computer Science, Cambridge Nationals and Cambridge Technicals. Their focus on fair, accessible and straightforward assessment continues to make a real impact in classrooms across the UK.

Find out more about Cambridge OCR:
www.ocr.org.uk
ComputerScience@ocr.org.uk

If you’re a secondary Computing teacher, this is a must-watch conversation packed with insight, ideas and discussion around the future of the subject.

📍 Join us at the Festival of Computing 2026
📅 Wednesday 1st July 2026
📍 Bromsgrove School

Expect a full day of inspiration, innovation and collaboration for secondary Computing teachers, including:
✅ High-quality CPD
✅ Inspiring speakers and exhibitors
✅ Networking with like-minded educators
✅ The chance to meet Cambridge OCR face-to-face
✅ Discussions shaping the future of Computing education

🎟️ Grab your Festival tickets here: Festivalofcomputing.com

A huge thank you to Ceredig and the team at Cambridge OCR for supporting the Festival of Computing 2026 and taking the time to chat with us.

👉 Don’t forget to like, comment and subscribe for more Computing education content from Craig’n’Dave!


#FestivalOfComputing #CraigAndDave #ocr #ComputerScience #GCSEComputerScience #ALevelComputerScience #TeacherCPD #EducationUK #ComputingEducation #EdTech #TeachingResources #DigitalExams #atthechalkface