How to Teach Computer Science

Meet the author, Alan J. Harrison, MA (Education), BSc (Computer Science), NPQML, MBCS, MCCT, and see my LinkedIn profile here: linkedin.com/in/alanjharrison/

I am a Senior Professional Development Leader (PDL) for the National Centre for Computing Education (NCCE, teachcomputing.org), a Computing at School (CAS) Master Teacher, CAS Community leader and a content author for Craig’n’Dave, writing questions for our excellent SmartRevise platform. Find out more at smartrevise.craigndave.org. I am also an associate lecturer at Ada College, an associate tutor at Edge Hill University and an assistant examiner for OCR.

I have also written official content for Isaac Computer Science, the NCCE “Teach Computing” resources and Quizlet, and worked as an official demonstrator for the EdTech Demonstrator programme on behalf of United Learning. I hold the STEM Quality Mark for writing CPD and the Senior PDL accreditation.

I have taught Computing and Computer Science since 2015, from KS3 to A-level, and achieved excellent results as a Subject Leader from 2018-2022, where 53% of my cohort achieved GCSE grade 7 or above, and 97% gained a 4 or above. Of my 2022 A-level class, 80% went on to study Computer Science at University and many of my alumni have gone on to “dream jobs” with companies like Arm and PwC.

Before training to teach in my mid-forties, I enjoyed a successful and varied career in IT, beginning as a graduate trainee operator of IBM mainframes, then a network administrator, an analyst/programmer and finally a CISSP-certified cybersecurity consultant working with major banks and insurance companies.

I am the author of “How to Teach Computer Science” and “How to Learn Computer Science” (see httcs.online).

Book a meeting with me here: calendly.com/mraharrison 

“How to Teach Computer Science” is a trading name of Harrison Proserv Limited, registered in England number 5780155