Code The Future – Igniting Passions for Computer Science in Scotland

Code the Future is a planned grassroots initiative set to launch in spring 2026, designed to accelerate the adoption of Computer Science (CS) education across Scotland.

Responding to the crisis of persistent shortages of CS teachers and skills—flagged by Education Scotland and ScotlandIS, and especially championed by Toni Scullion, the project will bridge the gap by curating and sharing free YouTube tutorials created exclusively by Scottish educators.

By delivering authentic, locally voiced content, it aims to inspire students, support teachers, and cultivate a digitally confident generation.

Mission and Goals

Launching with clear, measurable targets, Code the Future will:

• Increase CS Participation: Achieve a 30% rise in CS course enrolment and extracurricular engagement in Scottish schools and community programs within two years of launch, with special focus on girls, rural learners, and low-income areas.
• Empower Educators: Provide under-resourced teachers with high-quality, ready-to-use video lessons, lowering barriers for those without formal CS training.
• Drive Long-Term Adoption: Spark interest in CS careers by linking coding to Scottish contexts—such as AI for renewable energy modelling or apps preserving Gaelic heritage—aligned with Curriculum for Excellence benchmarks.
• Foster Community: Build a self-sustaining network of Scottish creators, volunteers, and learners, evolving into a national digital learning hub.

The project directly addresses current data: only 25% of Scottish secondary schools currently offer robust CS programs (2024 Education Scotland audit). It positions itself as a scalable, interim solution while broader curriculum reforms take shape.

The Planned Platform

The website will feature:

• Regular learning tutorials: A webinar series delivered by Scottish CS teachers to engage potential learners, and generate Youtube content.
• Curated Video Library: 75+ starter tutorials organized by level (P1–S6) and topic—e.g., “Python for Primary Pupils,” “Cybersecurity with a Scottish Twist,” or “Web Apps for Highland Heritage.” All content will be vetted by a panel of CS teachers and industry volunteers.
• Interactive Add-Ons: Embedded quizzes, progress badges, and a moderated Discord community for live Q&A with creators.
• Teacher Toolkit: Downloadable lesson plans, worksheets, and integration guides for Scratch, Micro:bit, and Raspberry Pi; plus a secure “Submit Your Tutorial” portal with review workflow.

Content Pipeline & Local Scottish Teachers

The project’s authenticity hinges on 100% Scottish-made content. Pre-launch recruitment (starting Q4 2025) will target:

• Primary and secondary teachers from every local authority.
• University lecturers (e.g., St Andrews, Glasgow, Dundee).
• Community mentors from Code Club Scotland and CoderDojo hubs.

Expected Impact

Early modelling (based on Code Club Scotland growth rates) predicts 15,000 monthly users within 12 months, with pilot regions (Fife, Borders, Highlands) targeted for 40% increases in CS club sign-ups. Long-term, Code the Future aims to become the de facto supplementary CS resource for every Scottish classroom—proving that home-grown voices can code a brighter future.