About STACS

Scottish Teachers Advancing Computing Science is a teacher-led organisation that is aimed at supporting and working with the Computing Science teacher community.

We aim to help advance Computing Science at school level, helping teachers to engage, nurture and inspire the next generation of talent in their classroom.

Following the publication of the Scottish Tech Ecosystem Review by Professor Mark Logan, STACS was created and funded by the Scottish Government in direct response to the education recommendations to improve Computing Science provision in Scotland.

Meet the Team

STACS consists of two co-lead Computing Science teachers

  • Brendan McCart

    Brendan McCart

    A Computing Science teacher for 37 years, with a wealth of knowledge and experience.

    Twitter

    Email: brendan.mccart@stacs.scot

  • Toni Scullion

    A Computing Science teacher for 12 years. She is also the founder of the non-profit charity dressCode and leads a number of other initiatives focussed on Computing Science in Scotland.

    Twitter/ Linkedin

    Email: toni.scullion@stacs.scot

STACS reference group

Helping to steer and shape the direction of STACS and ensure our actions and priorities are in line with the needs of those who are teaching in the classroom.

  • Sarah Lyon

    Sarah Lyon

    Armadale Academy

    A Computing Science teacher for 8 years.

  • Darren Brown

    Darren Brown

    Inverness High School

    A Computing Science teacher for 20 years and lead of Computing Science Scotland drive.

    Twitter

  • Sinead Flanigan

    Sinead Flanigan

    Uddingston Grammar

    A Computing Science teacher for 20 years.

    Twitter

  • Fraser McKay

    Fraser McKay

    St John Ogilvie High School

    A Computing Science teacher for 5 years and leads Computing Science Scotland Meets.

    Twitter

  • Katie Gallacher

    Katie Gallacher

    Bertha Park

    A Computing Science teacher for 11 years and principal teacher.

  • Chris Aitken

    Chris Aitken

    Wick High School

    A Computing Science teacher for 13 years.

    Twitter

  • Jackie Campbell

    Jackie Campbell

    Linlithgow Academy

    A Computing Science teacher for 22 years.

  • Tony Harkins

    A Computing Science teacher of x years and currently principal teacher.

  • Amanda Pickard

    Digital Learning Development Officer- South Ayrshire Council
    Previously a Primary teacher

    Twitter

  • Peter Donaldson

    Linlithgow Academy and Centre for CS Education

    A Computing teacher and former principal teacher and lecturer for 20 years.

    Twitter/ Linkedin

  • Laura Di Pasquale

    Wellshot Primary School
    Primary teacher for over 10 years. Apple learning coach and Micro:bit champion.

    Twitter

  • Craig Delaney

    Craig Delaney

    St Kentigern’s Academy

    A Computing Science teacher for 5 years.

  • Mari Clare Mitchell

    Mearns Primary
    Primary teacher for over 16 years.

    Twitter

  • Stephen Stewart

    A Computing Science teacher for 11 years and currently Deputy Head Teacher.

  • Greg Reid

    Subject Implementation Manager, Computing Science at SQA
    Previously a Computing Science teacher for 23 years. Author of How to Code in Python book.

    Twitter

  • Charlie Love

    Quality Improvement Officer - Digital at Aberdeen Council.

    Previously a Computing Science teacher for 23 years.

    Twitter

This initiative recognises the importance of Computing Science as a subject in schools and the integral part it plays in Scotland’s ambition for a Digital Nation. Computing Science in education has a key role in helping to engage, nurture and inspire the next generation of talent and that journey starts in the classroom.

 We will work to: 

  • Advocate for the Computing Science teacher community 

  • Remove barriers

  • Support teachers in developing and delivering their vision and goals, working with teachers to create the best experience in Computing Science at schools

Ultimately we wish to see Computing Science uptake rise and close the gender gap on a National level and have the subject thrive in all schools. 

STACS are at the disposal of teachers delivering Computing Science in Scotland.

You can get in touch with us here: supports@stacs.scot.