Skip to main content

Computer Science Accelerator in the Summer

Are you looking to supercharge your computer science knowledge this term? ๐Ÿ”ฅFire up your computer๐Ÿ”ฅ, free your imagination and join us for a summer of learning.

What is CSA in the Summer?

  • Part of the Summer of Computing, a programme of curated courses for teachers taking place in July and August
  • Tracks to follow for new, intermediate and advanced learners (see below)
  • Teachers of all subject backgrounds are welcome
  • Online courses: start at any time and learn at your own pace
  • Remote and face to face courses: short, live training courses, taught by our subject experts
  • Get up to ยฃ1800 of bursary funding for your school or college
  • Receive a nationally recognised certificate through our Computer Science Accelerator


Beginner track

Join our new to computing track if you have little or no experience of teaching computing and want to build a core set of skills to use in your classroom.

Your track will include two of the remote courses below:

๐Ÿƒโ€โ™‚๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿ’ปโŒจ Introduction to algorithms, programming and data

๐Ÿ”Œ๐Ÿ“ณ๐Ÿ”’ Introduction to computer systems, networking and security

๐Ÿ๐Ÿ”ท๐ŸŸจ Python programming constructs: sequencing, selection and iteration

We also recommend booking on two or more of our online courses:

๐Ÿคท๐Ÿฝโ€โ™€๏ธ๐Ÿ”Œ๐ŸŒซ๏ธ How computers work: demystifying computation: available 5 July - 12 September

๐ŸŽ›๏ธ ๐Ÿ–ฅ๏ธ ๐Ÿ”ข Programming 101: an introduction to python for educators: available 2 August - 10 October

๐Ÿ”“ ๐Ÿค” ๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿ’ป Impact of technology: how to lead classroom discussions: available 2 August - 3 October


Intermediate tracks

We offer a range of different pathways to help you build on your subject knowledge.

Preparing to teach GCSE computer scienceJoin this track if you're looking to build your knowledge of KS3 to meet the requirements of the KS4 curriculum.

Your track will include two of the following remote courses:

๐Ÿ๐Ÿ”ท๐ŸŸจPython programming constructs: sequencing, selection and iteration

๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿ’ป๐Ÿ•ต๐Ÿปโ€โ™€๏ธ๐Ÿ”’The internet and Cybersecurity

๐Ÿ“Š ๐Ÿ’ปRepresenting algorithms using flowcharts and pseudocode

We also recommend booking on two or more of our online courses:

๐Ÿคท๐Ÿฝโ€โ™€๏ธ๐Ÿ”Œ๐ŸŒซ๏ธHow computers work: demystifying computation: available 5 July - 12 September

๐Ÿงฉ๐Ÿ’กUnderstanding computer systems: available 2 August - 3 October

๐Ÿ“ณ๐Ÿ–จโ˜•๏ธAn introduction to computer networking for teachers: available 2 August - 3 October


New to algorithms and programmingIf you have a good understanding of computer systems but need help with programming, our new to algorithms and programming track is the one for you. Your track will include two of the following remote courses:

๐Ÿƒโ€โ™‚๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿ’ปโŒจIntroduction to algorithms, programming and data

๐Ÿ๐Ÿ”ท๐ŸŸจPython programming constructs: sequencing, selection and iteration

๐Ÿ“Š ๐Ÿ’ปRepresenting algorithms using flowcharts and pseudocode

We also recommend booking on two or more of our online courses:

1๏ธโƒฃ0๏ธโƒฃ1๏ธโƒฃProgramming 101: an introduction to Python for educators: available 2 August - 10 October

1๏ธโƒฃ0๏ธโƒฃ2๏ธโƒฃProgramming 102: think like a computer scientist: available 7 June - 22 August

1๏ธโƒฃ0๏ธโƒฃ3๏ธโƒฃ Programming 103: saving and structuring data: available 5 July - 5 September


New to computer systems and networkingJoin our new to computer systems track if you are confident with programming but need help with systems and networks. Your track will include two of the following remote courses:

๐Ÿ”Œ๐Ÿ“ณ๐Ÿ”’Introduction to computer systems, networking and security

๐Ÿ’ป๐Ÿ–ฑComputer processors and instruction sets

๐Ÿ“š๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐ŸซFundamentals of computer networks

We also recommend booking on two or more of our online courses:

๐Ÿ“ณ๐Ÿ–จโ˜•๏ธAn introduction to computer networking for teachers: available 2 August - 3 October

โŒจ๏ธ๐ŸŽงRepresenting data with images and sound: available 7 June - 22 August

๐Ÿค”๐Ÿ’ก๐Ÿ’ฅUnderstanding computer systems: available 2 August - 3 October


Advanced track

Join our advanced GCSE computer science track if you are a teacher who is familiar with GCSE computer science and want to learn new skills to use in your classroom. Your track will include two of the remote courses below:

โ˜๐Ÿผ ๐Ÿ‘ฉ๐Ÿผโ€๐Ÿ’ป ๐Ÿ“ Higher attainment in GCSE computer science

๐Ÿ๐Ÿ’ช Python programming: advanced subject knowledge, implementation and testing

๐Ÿ๐Ÿ“œ๐ŸงฑPython programming: analysis, design and evaluation

We also recommend booking on two or more of our online courses:

๐Ÿš€ ๐Ÿ”ง Design and prototype embedded computer systems: available 2 August - 3 October

๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿ’ป โ˜€๏ธ Programming with GUIs: available 2 August - 3 October

๐ŸคโŒจ๏ธ๐Ÿ–ฑ๏ธIntroduction to web development: available 5 July - 5 September


Summer schools

We are also offering face to face events throughout the summer for our beginner, intermediate and advanced tracks. Any of our courses taking place at the National STEM Learning Centre in York are residential events and include free accommodation.

New to computing (face to face): 27 โ€”29 July: Southampton

24 August โ€”26 August: York (residential)

Advanced GCSE computer science (face to face):3 August โ€”5 August: York (residential)

23 August - 24 August: High Wycombe

Preparing to teach GCSE computer science (face to face):

24 August โ€” 26 August: Southampton

Introduction to algorithms, programming and data for D&T teachers:

10 August - 11 August: York (residential)


Share your achievements

And finally, if you're getting involved in the ๐Ÿ˜ŽSummer of Computing๐Ÿ˜Ž, we'd love to hear from you. We are running a competition between Thursday 1 July - Tuesday 31 August for teachers who participate in one or more of our summer CPD events. To find out more, head to our Facebook or Twitter page.