A TEACHER is inspiring children to put down their controllers and explore how their computer games are actually made by introducing them to the world of programming.

Most schools just teach types of software and how to make the best use of computers at home and work.

But thanks to Stephen Ford, Acton High School in Gunnersbury Lane goes beyond that, allowing pupils to design their own software.

The 41-year-old gave up a job designing websites and technical marketing tools for big brands such as Disney and XBox, to pass on his passion for programming to youngsters.

The resident of Murray Road, South Ealing, said: "I wanted to give something back, to share what I know with others. But I also wanted to do something different, more interesting. I thought about my age and that if I didn't do something then I probably never would.

"Here there are all sorts of exciting opportunities and challenges. I'm not going to work every day, sitting down and doing the same thing."

After one year's teacher training, Mr Ford joined the school as an ICT and business teacher in July last year.

His appointment has given the school a head start amid changes to the way computing is taught nationally.

Mr Ford added: "Not many schools offer computing at GCSE. Google and Microsoft said recently that the reason for the lack of computer scientists coming out of this country is that ICT courses at schools aren't programming based. A government report is coming out next year looking at how ICT is taught in schools."

He said it is rewarding both for him and his pupils when they see their work build from basic codes to working programmes, and he argues that it is an engaging subject for both analytical and creative minds.

"There is something for everyone," he said.

Mr Ford says his subject is is so engaging that swapping his office for the classroom has not been too much of a baptism of fire.

"Your training teaches you behaviour management techniques but if what you teach is interesting they're not going to be messing about."