At the chalk-face

Craig'n'Dave
  • 0.0 (0)
  • 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. NOV 28

    At the chalk face: Curriculum and Assessment Review - PART 3 | CAR2025

    At the chalk face: Curriculum and Assessment Review - PART 3 | CAR2025  This week, together we’re going into part three of our deep dive into the recent Curriculum and Assessment Review. If you’ve missed parts one and two — where were you?!  We've already broken down the huge 250-page report and the government’s hefty response into something humans can actually understand. 🎓 Today, we're unpacking the big one: the NEW Progress 8 and Attainment 8 model. It looks subtle at first glance… but trust us, the implications for computing, science, creative subjects, humanities, and the whole curriculum are huge. In this episode we cover: 🔹 What the new buckets look like  🔹 Why computing may be in a slightly awkward place 🔹 How creative subjects finally get some love 🔹 What this all actually means for schools, teachers, and option choices 👉 Download our CAR summary PDF here: https://craigndave.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Curriculum-and-Assessment-Review-Summary.pptx 👉 Read our blog for more info -  https://craigndave.org/car2025/  👉 Missed parts one and 2? Watch the here -  👩‍🏫 Whether you’re a computing teacher or just passionate about education reform, this series is your go-to guide to understanding where the CAR is taking us next. #TeamCompSci #CraigNDave #EducationReform #Computing #GCSE #CurriculumChange #Teaching #Alevels #ComputingEducation #CAR2025 #GCSEComputing #TeachingComputing #EdTech #AIinEducation

    34 min

  2. NOV 21

    At the chalk face: Curriculum and Assessment Review - PART 2 | CAR2025

    At the chalk face: Curriculum and Assessment Review - PART 2 | CAR2025 Welcome back to Craig & Dave at the Chalkface as we dive into part two of our CAR trilogy. The biggest shake-up in education for a decade is here! 🚨 The Curriculum and Assessment Review (CAR) has landed – and it’s a whopper!  180+ pages of proposed changes that could redefine how we teach, assess, and support learners across the UK from ages 5 to 18. But don’t worry, Craig and Dave have done the hard work so you don’t have to. All good things have a sequel — and the Curriculum & Assessment Review is no different. This time, we're zooming in on what the review (and the government’s official response) actually means for computing. We break down the big headlines so you don’t need to plough through 281 pages of curriculum detail and 61 pages of government jargon. From shrinking key stage teaching time, to the future of GCSE Computer Science, to AI literacy and digital skills becoming national priorities — we unpack the lot. Here’s what we’re getting into: 💡 Why only 10% of schools teach computing to all KS4 pupils (and why that’s a problem) 📉 The squeeze on teaching hours at KS3 & KS4 💻 The end of GCSE Computer Science as we know it — and what the new broader GCSE in Computing might look like 🔗 Cross-curricular computing skills: why computing won’t (and shouldn’t) sit alone anymore 🧠 Digital literacy vs. media literacy — what’s changing and where it should live 🤖 AI literacy is becoming essential for every pupil ⚖️ The split opinions across the teaching community — and why both sides have a point 👉 Download our CAR summary PDF here: https://craigndave.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Curriculum-and-Assessment-Review-Summary.pptx 👉 Read our blog for more info -  https://craigndave.org/car2025/  👉 Missed part one? Watch it here - https://youtu.be/1ETfJzomWPo  👩‍🏫 Whether you’re a computing teacher or just passionate about education reform, this series is your go-to guide to understanding where the CAR is taking us next. 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe and turn on notifications — Part 3 coming soon!  #TeamCompSci #CraigNDave #EducationReform #Computing #GCSE #CurriculumChange #Teaching #Alevels #ComputingEducation #CAR2025 #GCSEComputing #TeachingComputing #EdTech #AIinEducation

    42 min

  3. NOV 14

    At the chalk face: Curriculum and Assessment Review - PART 1 | CAR2025

    At the chalk face: Curriculum and Assessment Review - PART 1 | CAR2025 The biggest shake-up in education for a decade is here! 🚨 The Curriculum and Assessment Review (CAR) has landed – and it’s a whopper!  180+ pages of proposed changes that could redefine how we teach, assess, and support learners across the UK from ages 5 to 18. But don’t worry, Craig and Dave have done the hard work so you don’t have to. In this episode of At the Chalkface, we break down what you really need to know — the key headlines, timelines, and takeaways from both the CAR and the Department for Education’s response.  We’ve pulled together a summary that highlights what we believe are the most important takeaways for teachers — with a particular focus on those teaching Computing. You’re welcome to download it and use it however suits you best; we hope it proves useful. Get it here - https://craigndave.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Curriculum-and-Assessment-Review-Summary.pptx Read the blog -  🎧 Listen on the go via our podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2535893/episodes 🌐 Explore more Computer Science resources: https://www.craigndave.org Discover how Smart Revise boosts attainment and frees up your evenings: 👉 https://smartrevise.craigndave.org/ 👉Learn more about our Resource Centre here - https://craigndave.org/study-tools/resource-centre/ #CraigAndDave #AtTheChalkface #TeacherTips #ClassroomManagement #SmartRevise #TeachingIdeas #GCSEComputerScience #AlevelComputerScience #TeacherLife #EducationUK

    27 min

  4. NOV 7

    High expectations from the first minute

    At the chalk face: High expectations from the first minute  A great lesson doesn’t start when the bell rings — it starts long before!  In this episode of At the Chalkface, Craig and Dave dive into what it really means to have high expectations from the very first minute of your lesson. From meet-and-greet routines at the door to establishing calm, purposeful starts, they share practical strategies to help you set the tone right from the start — and keep it consistent.  Whether you’re an NQT finding your feet or an experienced teacher looking to fine-tune your classroom flow, this episode is packed with relatable stories, humour, and tips that actually work. 💡 Learn how to: Create high expectations without being “strict” Master the art of meet-and-greet Use Smart Revise quizzes and starter tasks effectively Build smooth transitions between lesson phases Stay consistent, calm, and in control — every time If you’ve ever wondered how to make the first minute count, this episode’s for you! 🎓 Watch, learn, and join the conversation in the comments — how do you set high expectations from the first minute? **Want to get ALL our amazing GCSE and A-level resources for all exam boards?** 👉Learn more about our Resource Centre here - https://craigndave.org/study-tools/resource-centre/ 👉 Get your full-year's access here - https://craigndave.org/product/craig-n-dave-crew-membership-12-months/ 🎧 Listen on the go via our podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2535893/episodes 🌐 Explore more Computer Science resources: https://www.craigndave.org About Smart Revise -  Smart Revise is the continual revision platform built by teachers, for teachers.  • Personalised retrieval practice that saves marking time.  • Auto-marked quizzes, homework, and mock exams.  • Used by tens of thousands of students across the UK. Discover how Smart Revise boosts attainment and frees up your evenings: 👉 https://smartrevise.craigndave.org/ #CraigAndDave #AtTheChalkface #TeacherTips #ClassroomManagement #SmartRevise #TeachingIdeas #GCSEComputerScience #AlevelComputerScience #TeacherLife #EducationUK

    34 min

  5. OCT 31

    High expectations and homework

    🎯 High expectations. But what does that really mean? Craig and Dave are diving into one of education’s favourite buzzwords — and giving it a proper reality check! For them, it’s not about piling on pressure; it’s about purpose. In this episode, we unpack how homework can be used as a tool to prepare students for lessons, boost memory retention, and actually make learning easier — not harder. It’s all about making homework something students can achieve, enjoy, and see the value in. Discover how: ✅ homework can be short, focused, and achievable (no long essays or parental help required!) ✅ the flipped classroom approach helps students prepare for lessons and embed knowledge ✅ note-taking with the Cornell method turns simple homework into higher-order thinking ✅ Smart Revise personalised goals help students manage their workload and track progress It’s not about making tasks harder – it’s about creating routines, habits, and consistency that really set students up to succeed. 📚 Teachers, if you’ve ever wondered how to get students to actually do their homework and engage meaningfully with lessons, this video is for you. Check out all our Computer Science teaching resources in our Resource Centre: https://craigndave.org/study-tools/resource-centre Check out Smart Revise -  https://smartrevise.craigndave.org/ ✉️ Questions? Drop us a line at admin@craigandave.co.uk 💬 Expect laughs, honest reflections, and a few classroom stories along the way — whether you’re a teacher, head of department, or just curious about how schools really work. #TeachingLife #EducationUK #SecondaryEducation #TeacherStories #Chalkface #CraignDave #UKSchools #ClassroomInsights #EdChat

    21 min

  6. OCT 24

    When the Internet Fails: How Teachers Can Keep Lessons Running

    Craig and Dave reminisce about the days of CD-ROMs, dot-matrix printers, and mischievous bus networks — and connect those stories to a timeless truth: technology will fail you sooner or later. So how do you keep a Computer Science lesson productive when the Wi-Fi dies? This episode explores practical unplugged activities, quick-print resources, and strategies to stay calm and keep learning moving when digital systems go down. It’s part nostalgia, part survival guide for every modern teacher. 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, so you never miss an At the Chalk Face episode. Whether you’re a teacher, school leader, or just curious about the future of education, this discussion offers a thought-provoking look at innovation, flexibility, and what’s next for classrooms in England. 🔗 More from us: Website & resources – Craigndave.org Smart Revise – https://smartrevise.craigndave.org/ #Teaching #Education #Pedagogy #CraigAndDave #AtTheChalkface #TeacherLife #news #educationnews #EducationUK #Teaching #ComputerScience #AtTheChalkFace #TeachingLife #NonSpecialistTeachers #SecondaryEducation #TeacherStories

    29 min

  7. OCT 17

    Non-specialist teachers curse or cure?

    At the chalk face: Non-specialist teachers curse or cure? Non-specialist teachers: The classroom reality no one talks about Did you know a third of Year 7 lessons are taught by teachers who aren’t specialists in that subject? 🤯 Craig and Dave are back on the chalk face to tackle a topic every teacher has an opinion on — non-specialist teaching. From teaching biology with no science background to discovering how to book a Bunsen burner two weeks in advance (!), this episode dives into the reality behind timetabling decisions, the pressure on schools, and why “you only have to stay one step ahead of the students” might be more true than you’d think. In this episode, we chat about: Why so many teachers end up teaching outside their specialism What makes someone a “specialist” anyway? How non-specialists can still make a huge impact The long-term effects of non-specialist teaching on students And a few confessions from Craig and Dave’s own classrooms! 👀 Watch now for an open, funny and surprisingly relatable discussion about the juggling act teachers face every day. 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, so you never miss an At the Chalk Face episode. Whether you’re a teacher, school leader, or just curious about the future of education, this discussion offers a thought-provoking look at innovation, flexibility, and what’s next for classrooms in England. 🔗 More from us: Website & resources – Craigndave.org Smart Revise – smartrevise.online #Teaching #Education #Pedagogy #CraigAndDave #AtTheChalkface #TeacherLife #news #educationnews #EducationUK #Teaching #ComputerScience #AtTheChalkFace #TeachingLife #NonSpecialistTeachers #SecondaryEducation #TeacherStories

    33 min

  8. OCT 10

    Why networking matters

    At the chalk face: Why networking matters | Teachers need each other  Are you too busy to network… or just making excuses? Craig and Dave get fired up in this episode as they unpack one of teaching’s biggest missed opportunities — genuine networking between teachers.  From the dangers of staying in your “school bubble” to how their own collaboration began on car journeys to CPD events, this chat digs into why connecting with colleagues (beyond your own department walls) is vital for growth, inspiration, and sanity. Expect a few soapboxes, a bit of SLT-bashing (from someone who’s earned the right), and plenty of laughs along the way. 💬 Topics include: Why networking matters more than inset days ever will. How the best teaching ideas often start over coffee (or in a car park!) Why saying “I’m too tired” might just be an excuse. The power of communities like CAS (Computing at School). And how Craig’n’Dave all started... 👉 Whether you’re a seasoned teacher or an NQT, this one’s for anyone who’s ever felt stuck in the classroom bubble. If you’re a teacher, leader, or education watcher, you’ll find plenty to nod along with — and maybe a few points to debate. 🔗 More from us: Website & resources – Craigndave.org Smart Revise – smartrevise.online #Teaching #Education #Pedagogy #CraigAndDave #AtTheChalkface #TeacherLife #news #educationnews #TeamCompSci #TeachingChat #CraignDave #TeacherNetworking #ComputingEducation

    30 min
See All (15)

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
    2K
  • Episodes
    15
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Craig'n'Dave Podcasts
  • Show Website
    At the chalk-face