Birmingham City University (BCU) has fully backed the CAS initiative to promote and support the teaching of Computer Science (CS) in Schools over a number of years. As a Department of Computer Science we recognise the need for these skills, not only in our future undergraduates, but across all disciplines and at all levels. Today’s children will be working in a world of technology that will be invented by tomorrow's Computer Science graduates.
Within our school we have a team, who for over 15 years have been running an education and support service for other schools, colleges and universities across several programs. This experience has given us a great deal of insight and knowledge in how to provide education, support teachers and promote academic programs. It is this same team that has led the way with the CAS initiative, migrating to the broader curricula at a different level and delivering to a wider range of teachers. However, the same basic principles apply. Teachers need sound subject knowledge, good practical skills in delivering and managing hands on activities, a set of resources that they can pick up and use, and last but certainly not least, a support network they can rely on to offer help and advice as needed.
To this end we; have trained Master Teachers (MT), run a CAS hub, won a DfE funded project to develop and deliver CS resources, deliver CPD sessions, run school enrichment activities and host STEM / CS events at the University.
Our links with our School of Education also ensure our activities impact on the trainee teachers coming through as well as raise awareness of careers in education for our CS Graduates. The broader links are also working to help school children become aware of the wider role of computing in the workplace and society as well as routes through FE and HE to rewarding careers.
CAS Regional Centre West Midlands covers Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Herefordshire, Sandwell, Shropshire, Solihull, Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent, Telford and Wrekin, Walsall, Warwickshire, Wolverhampton, Worcestershire
CAS West Midlands (Birmingham City University)
Millennium Point, Curzon Street, Birmingham, B4 7XG
Phone: 0121 3004013 or 0121 3317546
Email: caswestmidlands@computingatschool.org.uk
Published by Richard Smith at 2017-12-14 14:18:41 +0000
One of our hub leaders has recently posted some new resources forr the Micr:bit that are worth taking a look at if you haven't already
Published by Duncan Maidens at 2017-12-12 23:35:17 +0000
A set of animations created in scratch to teach the fundamentals of Data Communications and Computer Networking
Published by K. Buncle at 2017-03-21 12:16:52 +0000
North Worcestershire hub meeting in February
Published by K Buncle at 2017-03-21 12:02:30 +0000
Bloodhound Rocket Car challenge visited Heartlands Academy in January
Published by Duncan Maidens at 2016-12-08 12:30:48 +0000
Introduction to Python training day last week.
Published by Duncan Maidens at 2016-06-09 13:19:41 +0100
This event is aimed at Head Teachers and the Senior Leaders who are interested in learning more about the introduction of Computer Science (CS) to the National Curriculum.
Published by Duncan Maidens at 2016-06-02 13:04:48 +0100
Richard Smith, (Telford CAS Hub) presenting the CAS Hub Leaders Badge to Katrina Smith at the first meeting at Shrewsbury
Published by Duncan Maidens at 2016-04-08 08:26:42 +0100
At a Birmingham City University CAS event. Space Invaders on a Microbit ! If you ever wondered what you could do with Microbit, view the video: https://youtu.be/qtPmawMdgQ0 via @YouTube @bcupress
Published by Duncan Maidens at 2016-04-08 08:09:26 +0100
Recent demonstration at Birmingham City University of Micro Python on the Microbit by Shahbaz Farooq.
Published by Karin Rade at 2016-03-30 10:29:39 +0100
Duncan Maidens presenting Nikki Lockett with her Master Teacher Badge at 4core meeting in Stoke, March 17 2016.
Published by Stuart Davison at 2016-03-29 00:13:41 +0100
Presentation to Dawn Walker of MT and Hub leader badges at the Walsall Hub Meeting 16th March 2016
Published by Karin Rade at 2016-03-23 11:05:32 +0000
CAS Westmids CRC supporting the Digital school House stand at the Big Bang Fair
Published by Richard Pickering at 2016-03-16 09:59:00 +0000
Duncan Maidens presenting John Palmer with his Master Teacher badge. Congratulations John!
Published by Richard Pickering at 2016-03-09 12:22:26 +0000
Duncan Maidens and Stuart Davison presenting John Palmer and Matt Warne with their Hub Leader and Master Teacher badges. Congratulations!
Published by Richard Pickering at 2016-03-09 12:14:44 +0000
Peter Kemp from Computing A level Wikibook presenting Hub Leader badge to Rebecca Franks.
Published by Richard Pickering at 2016-02-23 15:03:16 +0000
Duncan Maidens presenting Shahbaz Farooq with his Computing at School Master Certificate.
Published by at 2016-02-23 11:46:58 +0000
Duncan Maidens presenting Natalie Stewart and Keith Buncle with their Master Teacher badges, and Nick Frost with his Hub Leader badge.
Published by Richard Pickering at 2016-02-23 11:39:19 +0000
Stuart Davison presenting Shahbaz Farooq with his Hub Leader badge during the CAS Birmingham Central Hub meeting.
Published by Richard Pickering at 2016-02-23 11:30:55 +0000
Published by Stuart Davison at 2015-11-13 13:06:26 +0000
Birmingham City University hosted the launch of the Computing At School Regional Centre for the West Midlands (CAS WM) on Monday 9th November.
Register to join Computing At School, contribute to the forums and access teaching resources