At the chalk-face

Craig'n'Dave
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  • EDUCATION

At the Chalk Face is a no-nonsense podcast from Craig’n’Dave, tackling real issues in education. Expect honest chat about pedagogy, classroom practice, and what actually works — from two ex-teachers still embedded in the world of schools. Not just for computer science teachers — this one’s for every educator.

  1. APR 24

    At the chalk face: The 4 revision methods that actually work

    At the chalk face: The 4 revision methods that actually work Exams are coming… feeling the pressure? Good. It means you care. In this episode of At the Chalkface, we cut through the noise and focus on the four revision methods that actually work — no gimmicks, no fluff, just proven strategies that help students retain knowledge and perform when it counts. Before we dive in, we tackle the big dos and don’ts of revision — from why starting early matters to how short, focused sessions can beat hours of ineffective cramming. We also call out some common traps (yes, endlessly reading notes and highlighting everything 👀) and explain why they’re holding students back. Then it’s onto the good stuff: 🔹 How to use Cornell notes for powerful active recall 🔹 Brain dumps & spider diagrams to deepen understanding 🔹 Smarter ways to use flashcards (that actually stick) 🔹 And why past papers are still one of the most effective tools out there Along the way, we break down why these methods work, how to use them properly, and how to build them into a realistic revision routine — without burnout. If you’re a teacher supporting students through exam season, or a student looking to revise more effectively, this one’s for you. Watch now and start revising smarter, not harder. #RevisionTips #GCSERevision #ALevelRevision #StudySmart #AtTheChalkface #TeachingTips #ExamPreparation #ActiveRecall #SpacedRepetition 08:12 - Cornell notes & self testing 13:47 - Mind maps 17:25 - Flash cards 26:10 - Past papers For more from us - https://craigndave.org Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more real talk from the classroom. #ComputerScience #TeachingCoding #EdTech #CraigAndDave #GoCodeIt #AtTheChalkface #craigndave #revision

    39 min

  2. APR 17

    At the chalk face: Built by a Teacher, for Teachers: The Story of Go Code It

    At the chalk face: Built by a Teacher, for Teachers: The Story of Go Code It In this episode of At the Chalkface, we’re joined by Pete Hudson — computer science teacher, Head of Department, and creator of Go Code It — a programming platform built by a teacher, for teachers. After years of frustration with platforms disappearing overnight (and taking hours of hard work with them), Pete decided enough was enough… and built his own. We chat about the challenges of teaching programming at scale, the hidden cost of “free” platforms, and why stability matters just as much as functionality. Pete also talks us through how Go Code It supports teachers day-to-day, from setting and tracking student work to automatic marking and feedback, helping to reduce workload and improve visibility across the class. We also explore how our very own Time2Code fits into the platform, giving teachers and students access to a wide range of programming problems in a more structured and manageable way. If you’re a computing teacher looking for a more dependable approach to teaching programming — or you’ve ever felt the frustration of having the rug pulled from under you — this is definitely one to watch. Find out more about Go Code It: https://gocodeit.online For more from us - https://craigndave.org Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more real talk from the classroom. #ComputerScience #TeachingCoding #EdTech #CraigAndDave #GoCodeIt #AtTheChalkface #CraignDave

    31 min

  3. APR 10

    At the chalk face: Why AQA backs our Craig'n'Dave Festival of Computing 2026.

    At the chalk face: Why AQA backs our Craig'n'Dave Festival of Computing 2026. A Behind-the-Scenes chat with this year's Festival of Computing Headline Sponsor AQA. In this special Festival of Computing episode, Craig & Dave sit down with Frances Sparrow, Subject Lead for Computer Science at AQA, to talk all things qualifications, classroom impact, and what it really means to support computing teachers across the UK. AQA aren’t just a familiar name in schools – they’re one of the UK’s largest education charities, setting and marking over half of all GCSEs and A Levels each year. In this conversation, Frances shares how AQA works with thousands of teachers and subject experts to shape qualifications, develop resources, and ultimately support students to succeed. We also dive into why AQA chose to be the headline sponsor for the Festival of Computing, and what keeps bringing them back year after year. From meaningful teacher feedback to real conversations about curriculum reform, it’s clear this event is about more than just talks – it’s about collaboration at the heart of computing education. And of course… it wouldn’t be the Festival of Computing without a bit of fun!  Expect rubber ducks, QR codes, CPD sessions, and a AQA marketplace stand that’s gone next-level this year. 🦆 Frances also shares exciting updates on: GCSE and A Level computer science developments. Digital exams and the future of assessment.  How teachers can directly influence the future of qualifications. Plus, we hear why now is the perfect time for teachers to get involved through subject panels and direct feedback routes – not just forums and rumours! Want to know more about AQA?- www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/computer-science Book an appointment with Frances - https://shorturl.at/NgSuW A huge thanks to AQA & Frances for chatting with us. 💡 If you’re a computer science teacher, this is a must-watch insight into how exam boards are evolving and how you can help shape what comes next. 👉 Watch now and join us at the Festival of Computing! The festival is all about real teaching, real classrooms, and real conversations with fellow computing teachers. Expect inspiring talks, hands-on CPD sessions, and plenty of opportunities to connect with others who understand life at the chalkface. 🗓 Wednesday 1 July 2026 📍 Bromsgrove School 🎟 Find out more and get your tickets: Festivalofcomputing.com For more from us - craigndave.org If you’re a secondary computing teacher, this is the one CPD event you won’t want to miss. 🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and explore more support for teaching Computer Science with Craig’n’Dave. #FestivalOfComputing #CraigAndDave #AQA #ComputerScience #GCSEComputerScience #ALevelComputerScience #TeacherCPD #EducationUK #ComputingEducation #EdTech #TeachingResources #DigitalExams #atthechalkface

    19 min

  4. APR 3

    At the chalk face: Differentiation is dead

    At the chalk face: Differentiation is dead “Differentiation is dead”… or is it? 🧠🔥 In this week’s At the Chalkface, Craig and Dave dive headfirst into one of the most controversial (and misunderstood) ideas in modern teaching. We’ve all been there — late-night lesson planning, colour-coded worksheets, three versions of every task, and trying to make sure every learner is “met where they are”. But what if that approach is actually holding students back more than helping them? In this episode, Craig and Dave challenge the traditional idea of differentiation by task and explore how teaching has evolved into something far more powerful: adaptive teaching through scaffolding. 💡 Instead of dumbing down tasks… we scaffold up. 💡 Instead of lowering expectations… we raise them for everyone. 💡 Instead of labelling ability… we support progress in real time. We talk about: Why “all must, most should, some might” might be outdated How the workload skyrocketed with traditional differentiation Why struggle isn’t something to avoid in learning The shift towards whole-class high-challenge teaching What effective scaffolding actually looks like in practice From Rosenshine-style modelling to worked examples, sentence starters, and real-time teacher support, this episode is packed with practical ideas you can actually use in the classroom tomorrow. And yes — we also revisit the infamous “colour-coded worksheet era” 👀 Whether you’re an experienced teacher or just starting out, this conversation will challenge how you think about planning, delivery, and what real progress looks like in the classroom. 👉 Watch now and join the debate: Is differentiation really dead… or just evolving? Great teaching isn’t just about degrees — it’s about connecting with students, building relationships, and staying one step ahead. 💬 Expect laughs, honest reflections, and some eyebrow-raising stories about life in the classroom — whether you’re a teacher, head of department, or just curious about how schools really work. 🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and explore more support for teaching Computer Science with Craig’n’Dave. #ComputerScience #GCSEComputing #ALevelComputing #TeachingTips #TeacherLife #EdTech #CraigAndDave

    33 min

  5. MAR 27

    At the chalk face: It's not in the mark scheme

    At the chalk face: It's not in the mark scheme Ever marked a mock and heard, “But it’s not in the mark scheme…”? 🤔 In this episode of At the Chalkface, Craig and Dave tackle one of the biggest misconceptions in Computer Science assessment — and it might just change how you mark (and teach) forever. Drawing on real examiner experience, they unpack the truth behind mark schemes, including: Why mark schemes are not exhaustive (yes, really!) How students can still gain marks for valid answers not listed The balance between teaching the spec vs the mark scheme Why “correct” in Computer Science isn’t always as black and white as you’d hope And how algorithms like quicksort highlight just how many right answers can exist 💡 Key takeaway: It’s not about what’s in the mark scheme… It’s about what’s correct. Whether you’re a specialist or teaching out of your comfort zone, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to approach marking — and student queries — in a whole new way. 👉 If you’ve ever second-guessed a mark or been challenged by a student, this one’s for you. Get our book: Essential algorithms and data structures: Suitable for all exam boards https://amzn.eu/d/0c50n9rE  🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and explore more support for teaching Computer Science with Craig’n’Dave. #ComputerScience #GCSEComputing #ALevelComputing #TeachingTips #TeacherLife #EdTech #CraigAndDave

    25 min

  6. MAR 20

    At the chalk face: Making learning fun

    Does learning really have to be fun to be effective? 🤔 In this episode of Craig’n’Dave 'At the chalk face', we tackle one of the biggest debates in education — making learning fun — and whether it actually leads to better outcomes for students. From unplugged activities and memorable classroom moments to the dangers of prioritising entertainment over real understanding, we explore what truly matters in the classroom: the learning itself. 💡 In this episode, we cover: Why students always ask, “Are we doing something fun today?” The hidden risks of “fun for fun’s sake” How unplugged activities can transform complex topics The importance of keeping learning at the heart of every lesson A practical, balanced approach to teaching that actually works We also share real classroom experiences, including activities that bring tricky Computer Science concepts to life — without relying on a screen. 🎯 Whether you're a new teacher, experienced educator, or just passionate about learning, this episode will challenge your thinking and give you practical ideas to take straight into the classroom. 👉 Explore our full range of teaching resources here: https://craigndave.org 👍 If you found this helpful, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell so you never miss an episode! 👍 If you find the video useful, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and ring the bell so you never miss a new episode of At The Chalk Face. #ComputerScience #TeachingTips #Education #GCSE #ALevel #Teachers #EdTech #CraigAndDave

    30 min

  7. MAR 13

    At the chalk face: Tackling GCSE Discuss Questions

    At the chalk face: Tackling GCSE Discuss Questions Exam season is just around the corner… and while students might be feeling the pressure, we know teachers are too! 😅 In this episode of At The Chalk Face, Craig and Dave tackle one of the biggest challenges in GCSE Computer Science exams: extended response questions. You know the ones — the 6-mark and 8-mark questions where students suddenly forget everything they know! The good news? It’s usually not a knowledge problem… It’s an exam technique problem. And in this video, the guys share their simple framework that helps students turn those intimidating “discuss” questions into a clear, structured answer that can reach the top mark band. You’ll learn how to: Break down long exam questions quickly and effectively Identify the key command words (like discuss) Use a simple fact → reason → example structure to build strong answers Help students apply their knowledge to the scenario in the question Turn a daunting 8-mark question into a manageable step-by-step response We also walk through a real OCR GCSE (J277) exam question about open-source vs proprietary software and demonstrate exactly how students can structure a high-mark response. If your students struggle with longer questions, this episode is packed with practical strategies you can start using in lessons straight away. 🎓 Bonus for Craig’n’Dave users: If you’re a member of our Mission Control community, you can download the frameworks and model answers referenced in the video to help your students practise and improve their exam technique. Join Mission Control here -  https://www.facebook.com/groups/craigndavemissioncontrol  Watch now and help your students turn those tricky extended questions into easy marks. 📺 More help for GCSE Computer Science revision: Check out the exam technique videos on our channel for tips on command words, high-mark questions and more -   https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCiOXwirraUBkaFcyChfn0DGPPD6n7nvq 👍 If you find the video useful, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and ring the bell so you never miss a new episode of At The Chalk Face.

    32 min

  8. MAR 6

    At the chalk Face: Inception of the Festival of Computing

    At the chalk Face: Inception of the Festival of Computing The Festival of Computing 2026! Join us Wednesday, 1st July 2026, at Bromsgrove School for the Festival of Computing 2026 – a fantastic CPD event in the UK dedicated to secondary computing teachers. In this special episode of At the Chalkface, Craig and Dave take a trip down memory lane to share the story behind the Festival of Computing. From early visits to major edtech events like BETT, to recognising a gap for practical, teacher-focused CPD, they reveal how the idea for the festival was born. 💡 Why traditional edtech events weren’t always delivering what teachers really needed 👩‍🏫 The importance of practical, classroom-ready professional development 🤝 The power of bringing computing teachers together in one place 🚀 How the Festival of Computing has grown into the must-attend event for the computing education community The festival is all about real teaching, real classrooms, and real conversations with fellow computing teachers. Expect inspiring talks, hands-on CPD sessions, and plenty of opportunities to connect with others who understand life at the chalkface. 🗓 Wednesday 1 July 2026 📍 Bromsgrove School 🎟 Find out more and get your tickets: https://craigndave.org/conference/  If you’re a secondary computing teacher, this is the one CPD event you won’t want to miss. 👍 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes of At the Chalkface, where we talk all things computing education. #FestivalOfComputing #ComputingTeacher #ComputerScienceTeacher #CPDForTeachers #ComputingEducation #CraigAndDave #AtTheChalkface #craigndave

    38 min
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About

At the Chalk Face is a no-nonsense podcast from Craig’n’Dave, tackling real issues in education. Expect honest chat about pedagogy, classroom practice, and what actually works — from two ex-teachers still embedded in the world of schools. Not just for computer science teachers — this one’s for every educator.

Information

  • Creator
    Craig'n'Dave
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    30
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Craig'n'Dave Podcasts
  • Show Website
    At the chalk-face