Supporting teachers in the classroom
BEACONS is built around co-creation with teachers to make using the resources as easy as possible.
The project recognises the central role teachers play in helping students develop confidence, curiosity and problem-solving skills. Through training, resources and project updates, the Teacher Hub provides practical support for bringing computational thinking into classroom activities.
Resources are developed with input from qualified and pre service teachers to ensure they are shaped around real classroom needs.
Teacher resources and project supports
The Teacher Hub includes:
- Training videos and support materials.
- Downloadable classroom resources.
- Guidance on computational thinking activities.
- Information on the Bebras competition.
- Event and training registration.
- Project news and updates.
- Materials to support student participation.
Some content will be visible to all users, but downloads and access to training content is available to registered and logged-in teachers only.
Practical skills across different subjects
Computational thinking supports learning across the curriculum. It helps students approach problems in a structured way, test ideas, identify patterns and develop and test solutions.
These skills can be introduced through short classroom tasks, group activities, and problem-solving challenges with clear links to virtually all subject specifications at both primary and second level.
BEACONS will provide resources that help teachers introduce these ideas in a way that is accessible, age-appropriate and engaging.
Register for teacher access
Teachers can register to access downloadable BEACONS resources and receive relevant project updates.
Once registered and logged in, teachers will be able to download available materials and return to the Teacher Hub as new resources are added.
Already Registered?
Learn at your own pace
The BEACONS Teacher Toolkit provides practical guidance for teachers who want to learn more about computational thinking and the Bebras competition.
Videos include an introduction to key concepts, examples of how they relate to a range of subject areas, classroom activities, and more.
Classroom materials and project resources
As the project progresses, this section will be updated with new content that can be accessed by registered teachers.
Resources may include activity sheets, lesson plans, presentation materials, and other resources.
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PDFAGE GROUP 9-12
Abstraction Detective Activity
Discussion on abstraction in problem solving -
PDFAGE GROUP 9-12
Paper Folding Activity
In this activity, students will work individually to fold a paper boat. -
PDFAGE GROUP 9-12
Pattern Detectives
Discussion on pattern recognition.
Upcoming teacher sessions
BEACONS events will include training sessions, briefings and opportunities for teachers to engage with the project team. As part of the project, we will also run several regional events across the country. Please see the events page for details.
All events listed on the website will be free to attend, but booking may be required.
Bebras Competition – Helping your students to take part
The Bebras competition gives students an opportunity to practise computational thinking through accessible problem-solving challenges.
BEACONS will support teachers in understanding the competition, preparing students and encouraging participation across different school contexts.
Join the BEACONS teacher community
Register for access to teacher resources and stay informed as new training content, classroom materials and events become available.