Tell us a little about yourself and your work.

I’m currently an ICT and Computer Science teacher at Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Bryn Tawe, about to begin my tenth year in education. I spent the first four years of my teaching career in a primary school before transitioning to secondary in 2020.

Teaching Computer Science through the medium of Welsh is something I feel passionately about. It’s incredibly important to me that pupils have the opportunity to access exciting and relevant digital learning in Welsh, not only to celebrate and protect the language and culture but also to ensure they see Welsh as a living, modern language of technology and innovation.

How did you get started working with Technocamps?

I first came across Technocamps when I moved to secondary teaching. We started booking them for workshops to support the delivery of Computer Science and help us make coding and theory topics engaging and accessible.

Since then, I’ve attended a number of brilliant training opportunities, including Micro:bit programming sessions, Digital Technology CPD (Web Development), the 2023 Education Conference, the 2024 Teacher Conference, and the Introduction to Python Programming course. I’m also really looking forward to the upcoming Secondary Professional Learning Event on Python with Tkinter.

For pupils, we’ve arranged a wide range of sessions: KS3 workshops (like Chwilio a Threfnu), robotics sessions for our code club and Year 9 pupils, an International Women’s Day event at Technocamps HQ, school assemblies on Girls in STEM and sixth form pathways, as well as high-impact GCSE workshops on LMC, algorithms and Python. I regularly work with Jo, Luke and Dan, who are always incredibly helpful and knowledgeable.

Which part of the work with Technocamps has been most beneficial for you, and why?

The GCSE Computer Science sessions have been invaluable. They’ve helped me support and stretch learners, especially with tricky topics like algorithms and Python programming. These sessions have really boosted pupil engagement, as pupils enjoy them and many go on to choose the subject at GCSE.

I’ve also created full KS3 units based on Technocamps resources. Pupils love them as they make Computer Science fun and accessible. The fact that so many resources are available in Welsh is a massive bonus. It saves hours of planning time and translation. They’ve done the hard work for me!

Without doubt, the biggest impact has been on my own confidence. I now lead Computer Science independently at my school. Technocamps has played a huge part in that journey, not just by developing my subject knowledge, but also by helping me deliver confidently through the medium of Welsh.

How do you think the skills and knowledge provided by Technocamps are used in your field or day-to-day work?

Thanks to Technocamps, I now feel confident teaching topics like assembly language and Python programming, something I never imagined when I started teaching! I’m ready and excited to teach the new GCSE specification in September.

Their support has definitely changed how I teach. I now try to make theory more interactive and hands-on, showing pupils how concepts apply in real-world scenarios. It’s helped shift lessons from passive learning to active problem solving.

Most importantly, I feel far more confident in my own abilities, which means I can support pupils better, whether that’s explaining something more clearly, pushing them further, or just knowing what resources to turn to.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I would 100% recommend Technocamps to any teacher, they are so worthwhile. The team are always friendly, knowledgeable and keen to help in any way they can. Pupils love working with them, and the enthusiasm they bring is infectious.

I feel far more prepared for the new curriculum and specification thanks to their ongoing support, and I know I’ll feel even more confident after the October event.

I honestly can’t thank Jo, Luke and Dan enough for always saying yes when we ask for workshops, for running brilliant CPD sessions, and for helping me develop my own skills and confidence as a teacher. Diolch o galon!