Equitable Creative Coding Award

An introduction to the new Equitable Creative Coding Award (ECCo Award).

Laying Foundations for Coding Skills Through Playful, Age Appropriate Activities
Inclusive and Innovative Curriculum Integration
Holistic Educational Approach Through Plugged and Unplugged Activities
Recognition of Efforts in Early Learning Settings

Holistic Educational Approach Through Plugged and Unplugged Activities
Encouragement of Creativity, Critical Thinking and Collaboration by Integrating Coding Skills into a Variety of Subjects and Activities
Preparing Young Learners for Lifelong Success in an Increasingly Digital and Interconnected World

Coding and Computational Thinking Integration into Core Curriculum and Extracurricular Activities
Focus on Real-World Applications
Fostering Collaboration and Teamwork

Recently Awarded ELCs and Schools

Gain recognition for your commitment to fostering digital literacy, creativity, and problem-solving skills through innovative and inclusive integration of coding and computational thinking across the curriculum.

Testimonials

"Being part of the Equitable Creative Coding Award has been an extremely worthwhile experience and has refreshed our approach to supporting schools. Our greatest victory was providing an online space for establishments to share their own ideas and questions about the collection of evidence, submitting the application and validation process. Being able to see the fantastic work through computational thinking and coding was heart-warming. It was evident that the inputs from the North Lanarkshire Digital Pedagogy Team has provided establishments with a solid foundation in the world of computing science."

Callum Croughan, Primary Teacher - Digital Pedagogy, North Lanarkshire Council

"I cannot recommend getting involved with the ECCo Award more and I've been having a #WeePonder why... I've seen first-hand the incredible impact developing computational thinking and coding skills can have on pupils' learning and confidence. The ECCo Award is a fantastic opportunity for Teachers and Early Years Practitioners to inspire and engage all learners, regardless of background or ability. By participating, you'll not only enhance your own digital skills but also empower learners to explore technology in a meaningful, inclusive way. This award celebrates coding creativity across the curriculum and equity in the classroom, championing play and unplugged activities so you don't even need a device. Sign up today, it's a journey you won't regret!"

Amanda Pickard, Digital Development Officer, South Ayrshire Council

Leadership Webinar

In this introductory webinar teachers share their journey and how they achieved their ECCo Award.

FAQ

How long does the submission process last?

From initial application to final conferment of award can last anywhere from several weeks to several months depending on the readiness of the school to complete the process, including gathering evidence against each statement. In some cases, applicants will have all the evidence needed and therefore complete the process quickly. In other cases, applicants may wish to use the criteria as a ‘road map’ to guide further innovation needed to support their application.

What sorts of evidence should be submitted for the award?

Depending on your situation and learners, these could include a range of file types such as screenshots, links to online resources or content, training certificates, emails, images, audio/video files, recordings etc. Make sure each piece of evidence is supported by an explanatory statement providing some contextual information. For example, you could reflect on what ‘s gone well, how would you do things differently next time, whether what you did has made a difference to colleagues / learners, etc. What is the impact and is it measurable or evidenced?

How much evidence should I submit against each statement?

While it is difficult to quantify the amount of evidence needed, you should think more about how well the evidence represents the statements in each section. Evidence should also be selected carefully to represent your best practice. The following information may help you select the best evidence for your application.

Avoid ‘pouring’ all your work into the submission for each statement;
Select the best evidence for each statement;
Make sure the range of evidence you submit reflects the full range of work you are involved in;
Where appropriate, provide a short explanation to the reviewer so that he/she knows the context in which the work is undertaken;
Try to show variety in your submission, using different forms of evidence where appropriate;
Make sure you conform to data protection and safeguarding requirements for your organisation.

Can I link my submission to my school’s development plan?

Yes. We encourage applicants to link their submission to their organisation’s strategic priorities as it is the best way of ensuring that the work they do is sustainable.