At the chalk-face

Craig'n'Dave

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. 6D AGO

    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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. FEB 27

    At the chalk face: Craig'n'Dave Festival of Computing Sponsor Highlight - VEX Robotics

    At the chalk face: Craig'n'Dave Festival of Computing Sponsor Highlight - VEX Robotics  🚀 Robots, rivalry (the friendly kind!) and reinvigorating computing education 🤖 In this episode of At the Chalkface, we’re joined by Chris from VEX Robotics, one of the main sponsors of the Craig'n'Dave Festival of Computing – and trust us, this is a good one. If you’ve ever thought “robotics sounds amazing, but also… terrifying”, this episode is for you. We dive into what VEX actually offers schools (spoiler: it’s way more accessible than you might think), how competitive robotics is really about collaboration, creativity and confidence, and why you don’t need to be an engineering wizard to get started. 🎯 What we cover in this episode: What VEX Robotics is really all about (from classroom kits to global competitions) Why “competition” doesn’t mean cut-throat (and actually builds brilliant soft skills) How robotics can boost engagement at KS3, GCSE and A level Why VEX works for all students – not just the stereotypical ones What VEX will be bringing to the Festival of Computing this year  A sneak peek at exciting new developments like AI-powered robots and programmable drones Whether you’re a computing teacher looking to reignite the spark, a school leader exploring enrichment options, or just robotics-curious, this episode is packed with inspiration, practical insight and plenty of enthusiasm. 👉 Find out more about the festival and grab your ticket: 🌐 https://craigndave.org/product/festival-of-computing-ticket/  👉 Explore VEX Robotics: 🌐 https://www.vex.com  Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with a colleague who keeps saying “we should do more hands-on stuff” 😉

    24 min

  6. FEB 20

    At the chalk face: Handwriting & embodied cognition

    Is Handwriting Still Important in Computing Lessons? 🖊️💻 In a world full of keyboards, screens, and now AI, do students still need to pick up a pen?  In this episode of At the Chalk Face, Craig and Dave dive into the surprisingly important role of handwriting in learning – even in computer science! From GCSE to A-Level, they discuss: Why handwriting helps reinforce learning through the “eyes–brain–hand” loop ✍️ How AI and typing might be making students less engaged with the thinking process 🤔 Practical ways teachers can bring handwriting back into lessons without losing the benefits of technology 💡 Whether you’re a teacher curious about effective study strategies or just wondering if your own handwriting skills are worth keeping, this is an eye-opening chat you won’t want to miss. 💬 Join the conversation:  Do you think handwriting still has a place in 2026? #TeamCompSci #CraignDave #Education #TeachingTips #Handwriting #LearningByHand #ComputerScience #GCSE #ALevel #TeachingInnovation 👍 Like, subscribe, and hit the bell if you enjoy honest conversations about teaching, technology and life in schools.  🔗 More from us: Website & resources – Craigndave.org Smart Revise – smartrevise.online Craig'n'Dave Teaching Resources - https://craigndave.org/resource-centre/  #Teaching #Education #Pedagogy #CraigAndDave #AtTheChalkface #TeacherLife #news #educationnews #mobilesinschool

    22 min

  7. FEB 16

    At the chalk face: Is Ofsted copying and pasting inspection reports?

    At the chalk face: Copy and paste Ofsted reports?  Is Ofsted copying and pasting inspection reports? In this episode of At the Chalkface, Craig and Dave dive headfirst into one of teachers’ favourite (and most stressful) topics: Ofsted. We discuss the eyebrow-raising claim that large chunks of Ofsted reports are reused word-for-word across multiple schools. Shocking? Outrageous? Or… actually understandable? 🤔 Using real examples, stats, and plenty of lived classroom experience, we explore:  Why do identical paragraphs appear in inspection reports The tension between standardisation vs meaningful feedback Those wonderfully woolly Ofsted paragraphs that say everything and nothing at the same time Why this frustrates teachers and leaders who genuinely want to improve And the uncomfortable truth: teachers have been doing something very similar with report writing for years 👀 Craig and Dave also reflect on: High-stakes inspections and the pressure they place on schools The old grading system, the new report cards, and what’s been lost along the way Lesson observations, feedback that goes nowhere, and why “good” isn’t good enough if no one can tell you how to be better How technology (and now AI) has long been quietly shaping how reports are written in schools This is a balanced, honest discussion that asks a bigger question: 👉 Should inspection reports be about ticking boxes… or genuinely helping schools improve? 👍 Like, 💬 comment, and 🔔 subscribe if you’ve ever read an Ofsted report and thought, “I’ve seen this before…” 📌 Join us next week for another episode of At the Chalkface 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 #ofsted  #educationnews  #Ofsted #ukteachers  #EdTech #TeachingLife #CraigNDave #EducationPolicy

    26 min

  8. FEB 6

    At the chalk face: Schools should be phone free?

    At the chalk face: Schools should be phone-free? Well, it’s official – mobile phones in schools are under the microscope!  In this episode, Craig and Dave dive deep into the latest government guidance, Ofsted expectations, and the storm of public opinion around students, teachers, and mobile phones. From confiscation rules to lockable Faraday pouches, we explore: Why teachers might soon have less discretion over phone use in lessonsHow Ofsted is leaning on schools to follow “non-statutory” guidanceThe impact on teachers, senior leaders, and even students’ rights under the Equality ActClever ways phones could be used in learning – from experiments to formative assessmentThe hilarious and sometimes frustrating reality of implementing these rules in real schools It’s a lively, pragmatic chat about tech, teaching, and how policy changes can shake up everyday classroom life. Whether you’re a teacher, parent, or just curious about the future of schools, this one’s for you! 🔔 Watch now and join the conversation – are phones a distraction, a tool, or both? 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 #mobilesinschool #EducationDebate #Ofsted #Safeguarding #MobilePhonesInSchools #UKTeachers #EdTech #TeachingLife #CraigNDave #EducationPolicy

    32 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
    26
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Craig'n'Dave Podcasts
  • Show Website
    At the chalk-face