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. 4d ago

    At the chalk face: Resource recon - Little Man Computer (LMC) and Little RISC Computer

    At the chalk face: Resource recon - LMC and LRC Discover two completely FREE interactive Computer Science apps designed to make teaching processor architecture and low-level programming easier than ever.  In this episode of At the Chalk Face, Craig and Dave take a closer look at their Little Man Computer (LMC) and Little RISC Computer simulators, showing how they can help bring abstract concepts to life for both GCSE and A Level students. You'll see how the apps demonstrate the fetch-decode-execute cycle, registers, buses, memory and assembly language through clear, interactive simulations. Plus, find out how the tools have been carefully designed to match OCR and AQA specifications, making them ideal for classroom teaching. The discussion also explores an important question for Computer Science teachers: how do we balance the simplified models used in education with how processors actually work in the real world?  Craig and Dave unpack the challenges of abstraction, exam specifications and teaching complex concepts in a way that's meaningful and accessible for students. Whether you're new to teaching Computer Science or an experienced teacher looking for practical classroom resources, this episode is packed with useful ideas and insights. 🔗 Try the FREE interactive apps: https://app.craigndave.org 💬 We'd love to hear from you! Which interactive app would you like us to build next? Let us know in the comments. 👍 If you enjoyed this video, don't forget to like, subscribe and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode of At the Chalk Face. #ComputerScience #GCSEComputerScience #ALevelComputerScience #CraigAndDave #TeachingComputing #LittleManComputer #AssemblyLanguage #ProcessorArchitecture #OCRComputerScience #AQAComputerScience #TeamCompSci #CraignDave #LMC #LRC

  2. Jul 17

    At the chalk face: Craig'n'Dave Festival of Computing 2026 Review and Q&A

    At the chalk face: Craig'n'Dave Festival of Computing 2026 Review and Q&A 🎉 The Festival of Computing 2026 may be over, but we're not quite finished yet! After an incredible day at the Craig 'n' Dave Festival of Computing 2026, we're sitting down to answer some of the brilliant questions asked by teachers, exhibitors, sponsors and attendees throughout the event. In this special Q&A episode of **At the Chalk Face**, we discuss: * 🤖 Is AI in education here to stay, or is it just another fad? * 📚 What future developments in computing education are we most excited about? * 🎓 How can new Computing teachers build their confidence and subject knowledge? * 📝 The future of A Level coursework (NEA) and curriculum reform. * 💻 Our upcoming Key Stage 3 Computing resources and how they'll work. * ☕ Plus... our favourite sandwiches, best-selling merch and whether Craig and Dave are actually married! 😄 We also take a moment to reflect on what made this year's Festival so special, thank everyone who helped make it happen, and share some of our plans for making 2027 even bigger and better. Whether you joined us at the Festival or couldn't make it this year, we hope you'll enjoy this behind-the-scenes conversation packed with honest opinions, practical advice and plenty of laughs. We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments.  Which question would you have asked us? Find out more about Craig 'n' Dave and our resources: 🌐 https://craigndave.org #Computing #ComputerScience #Teachers #AIinEducation #FestivalOfComputing #Education #CraigAndDave #AtTheChalkFace

  3. Jul 10

    At the chalk face: Are schools ready for the social media ban?

    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

  4. Jul 3

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

    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

  5. Jun 19

    At the chalk face: Will AI replace coding in schools? Why coding is here to stay..

    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

  6. Jun 12

    At the chalk face: The UK social media ban debate

    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

  7. Jun 8

    At the chalk face: Why we left teaching

    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

  8. May 22

    At the chalk face: Are extra roles in school actually worth it?

    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

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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
    40
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Craig'n'Dave Podcasts
  • Show Website
    At the chalk-face

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