The vision was to create a dynamic, varied and, most importantly, fun way to engage our attendees with the most up-to-date insight into topics at the forefront of teacher’s minds in computer science. These topic-led talks were organised into streams focusing on artificial intelligence, esports, play-based learning and careers education.

These streams saw us bring together a range of speakers who are experts in their fields to share their insight and experience with our attendees and Lead Teacher network. Conversations in Artificial Intelligence were led by Professor Miles Berry (University of Roehampton), Paul Curzon (CSF4N), Dale Lane (Machine Learning for Kids) and our very own Estelle Ashman, shifting perspectives on what and how AI can be used as an educational tool. We were joined by Lewis Kay (Esports Youth Club) to learn more about the growing esports industry and grassroots impact of esports at a community level, followed by talks from our own Lead Teacher network about their experience running esports tournaments in their own schools in both a primary and secondary setting.

Last week was epic for us to say the least, as we hosted our annual Summer Bootup Camp at the University of Westminster, bringing together some of the greatest minds in computing education for 3 days of interactive learning, workshops, masterclasses, talks and more. 

On Day 3 of the Summer Bootup Camp '24, we honoured the outstanding Lead Teachers who have gone above and beyond over the last academic year in their delivery of the Digital Schoolhouse programme. This year was truly one to remember as we celebrated 10 years of Digital Schoolhouse. This saw the introduction of a special new award, named the Trailblazer School Award, which is dedicated to those schools who have been with the programme since its birth, 10 years ago.

Congratulations to everyone who was nominated for the awards, and a massive well done to the winners on the night. You are all leading the way in computing education and we are very proud to have all of you as part of the programme.

Honourable Mentions (1000+ pupils): Townley Grammar, Merrydale Junior School, Lodge Park Academy, Stoke on Trent 6th Form College

Congratulations again to all of the award winners and nominees, well done on doing such amazing work and continuing to lead by example. We are so excited to continue working with you all as we head into the next 10 years of Digital Schoolhouse! 

From September, both our new and existing Schoolhouses will be available for workshop bookings. You can find out more about all of our Schoolhouses on our website.

If you're interested in applying to join the programme next year, or have any other queries, please don't hesitate to contact the Digital Schoolhouse team via our dedicated inbox - dsh@ukie.org.uk.