Understanding Computer Science

Learning Festival

Tablet Academy have teamed up with Business Direct (BT’s IT solutions reseller) to offer schools, colleges and other organisations the opportunity to host, or take part in, a free Computer Science Learning Festival. These festivals offer teachers and pupils (Years 5, 6 ,7 and 8) the opportunity to gain a more in depth understanding of the principles of Computer Science, including the hardware required, how hardware fits together and how computers are programmed ready for users.

Understand the principles of programming.
Build your own computer.
Learn how to code in different languages.
Discover coding in Minecraft

Thanks to the generous support of BT we are able to offer these festivals for FREE to schools wishing to either host or attend!

Find out when and where these festivals are taking place

Book Your Free Place

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What does it involve?

The Festival is an opportunity for pupils and teachers to experience and learn about Computer Science and how new technologies can help enhance the teaching and learning of computing subjects in the classroom. All Tablet Academy Learning Festivals have a strong focus on collaboration and pupils will work in their team alongside their teacher to solve a range of short challenges.

The Festival moves at a fast pace and is hands-on from start to finish covering a range of activities designed by Tablet Academy qualified teachers. The activities in most cases are easy to replicate back in school* and are suitable for all pupils including gifted and talented and those from disengaged groups.

*may require investment in equipment.

How Does It Work?

A Computer Science Festival Is Hosted For A Day By A School Or Other Organisation Who Agree To Extend Invitations To A Number Of Local Schools.

AM and PM
Workshops

The day is split into two workshops, morning and afternoon, each lasting approximately 2.5 hours and covering the same content (approx. 9:30 - 12:00 and 12:45 - 15:00).

Pupils and Staff
together

Up to 30 pupils from years 5, 6, 7 and 8 take part in each session (60 total) accompanied by staff from the host school and visiting schools.

Led by Experienced
Teachers

The workshops are led by qualified teachers from the Tablet Academy who will guide staff and students through the activity allowing pupils to learn and teachers to observe and learn as well.

Workshop Content

(May vary)

BAREFOOT COMPUTING

An ice breaker activity created to introduce the theory of computing without using any technology.

BUILD YOUR OWN PC – UNDERSTAND THE HARDWARE

Working in groups of 5, participants build a PC using items provided. As part of the process they will identify components before installing them into a complete PC.

PI TOP – LINKING HARDWARE TO PROGRAMMING

Working in pairs, or groups students will build a Pi Top and complete a basic programming activity.

INTRODUCTION TO PROGRAMMING IN MINECRAFT

Participants will learn about Minecraft Education Edition and how you can learn to program in the popular Sandbox environment.

DUKE OF YORK IDEA PROGRAMME

Pupils who attend the workshops will also be awarded a digital badge linked to the Duke of York iDEA scheme. This brief activity introduces the platform and how students can redeem their badges at home.

BT Business Direct

As an academic organisation, when you choose Tablet Academy have teamed up with Business Direct (BT’s IT solutions reseller), you choose a supplier that really understands your school's requirements. Their dedicated team of education-focused account managers can advise you on the ideal products, services and solutions to meet the needs of your school, college or university.

When you choose Business Direct, you choose a supplier that really understands your needs and those of your students. We can advise on the ideal products, services and solutions to meet the needs of your learning environment. We work closely with our colleagues across BT to give you a complete set of tools for student success. Read more below or ask us for details.

Find Out More

Duke of York Inspiring Digital Entrepreneur Award

Pupils who attend the workshops will also be awarded a digital badge linked to the Duke of York iDEA scheme. This is a new programme still in its infancy which is comparable to the Duke of Edinburgh Award. The difference being the iDEA programme is based on digital skills. The badge awarded to pupils for attending the event contributes points towards achieving their Bronze award which they can do independently online.