Learning to Lead Computing

In Learning To Lead Computing, Karl McGrath and Allen Tsui provide an essential, jargon-free guide for educators tasked with leading computing at their school. Drawing from over a decade of experience in education, the authors deliver practical advice and strategies to engage and inspire both colleagues and empower them as leaders. This comprehensive handbook offers step-by-step instructions on everything from curriculum sequence to staff motivation, sharing research-backed approaches such as PRIMM and Parsons problems to encourage deeper thinking about computing in the classroom. Karl McGrath and Allen Tsui's approachable style, ensures that even non-specialists can confidently lead computing education. Ideal for ECTs, computing subject leads and senior leaders, this book transforms complex subjects into engaging and manageable content, empowering educators to foster a generation of tech-savvy digital citizens.

Karl McGrath began working in schools as a volunteer in a primary classroom. He soon became a Learning & Equalities Mentor, creating films and animations to help children access the curriculum in innovative ways. This sparked his passion for computing and its role in education. While still a Newly Qualified Teacher (NQT), Karl became the computing lead at his school. Here, he embraced his interest in computing and was successful in becoming a Barefoot Ambassador, a CAS community leader, and an NCCE facilitator. Currently, as the Curriculum Task Design Lead and Computing Lead at Benton Park Primary School, Karl ensures the curriculum aligns with student tasks with a particular focus on empowering subject leads to find and nurture their subject integrity. Karl is a passionate advocate for "concept before code" and ensuring children are empowered to become confident "digital creators" as opposed to passive "digital users." He continues to share his expertise and wisdom through CPD sessions and now, along with Allen, this book.

Allen Tsui has been subject lead for Computing at a Primary in East London since September 2020. As the Primary Allen works for is part of a Multi Academy Trust which includes Secondary schools, Allen has been tasked with working and supporting the Secondaries with preparing their GCSE and A-Level students for their Computer Science examinations. Allen is a passionate advocate for physical computing products and online learning platforms as well as building connections with teachers to support their professional development.