A SOUTH Lakeland teacher has just the technology for worried colleagues as a new computing curriculum is set to enter primary schools later this year.

The new curriculum has a focus on coding and programming rather than using applications.

It has caused some concern among teachers who themselves are in the dark over some of the more complex aspects of the curriculum.

But Liane O’Kane, who works at Lindale CE Primary School, has extensive experience in the computing world and has developed a new programme to help, called iCompute.

She said: “Many schools are unaware of the radical changes ahead and how they will be affected. “Those who are aware are extremely concerned about not being ready.

“I’m one of only 30 or so primary computer science master teachers in the UK, which tells you a lot about the lack of computing expertise in primary schools.

“As a teacher I am lucky to be in a unique position where I can see first-hand what primary schools need to teach the new computing curriculum, while also having a background of working in the industry.

“I have been able to combine both to design a product that puts teachers and pupils first as well as making the new curriculum easy to understand and teach in a way that is inspiring, engaging and challenging to all pupils.”

iCompute provides primary schools with digital lesson plans and instant access to all the support and materials they need to teach the new curriculum from years one to six.

Teachers do not need an in-depth knowledge of computer science in order to teach the new curriculum. They will also not need to purchase any additional hardware or software.

By using the easy-to-follow structured units, with step-by-step digital lesson plans and supporting materials, teachers can develop their own knowledge, skills and understanding, as well as those of their pupils.

Liane added: “Most primary schools do not have teachers with computing expertise and have not yet solved the problem of how they are going to deliver the new curriculum.

“With little over a term to go until the start of the new academic year, schools need to take action now to prepare, otherwise they will face problems when it becomes a legal requirement for children to be taught computing in September.”