Higher attainment in computer science - meeting the challenges of the exams

CO439 Online course

Explore how to improve attainment in computer science by examining how students should tackle exam questions, utilising key resources such as moderator reports, applying retrieval and interleaving strategies, and mapping progression from KS3 to KS4.

Cross curricular Leadership Key stage 4 Teach secondary computing certificate

Free online course 6 hours

This evidence-based CPD aims to enhance teachers’ knowledge of how to maximise student attainment in GCSE Computer Science. Whether you’re an experienced teacher or new to the subject, this course will support your understanding of effective strategies for improving student outcomes.

You will gain insights into accurate assessment to aid centre-assessed grading, explore key exam terminology and how students should approach it, and learn structured methods for teaching extended writing and programming exam questions. The course also includes expert tips on how students can pick up marks in exam papers.

Additionally, you will explore the research behind retrieval and interleaved learning, with practical strategies and discussions on applying them to GCSE students.

The course will also introduce threshold concepts, examining how their sequencing and timing can significantly impact student understanding. You’ll learn how to use progression maps to structure the curriculum across KS3 and KS4, embedding threshold concepts to maximise student progress.

Who is it for?

This course is aimed at teachers who are already delivering GCSE Computer Science, as well as those aspiring to teach it in the future.

Topics covered

01 | Understanding the Assessment Process – This section will outline how exams are designed and marked, including the structure and wording of exam questions and how students should approach them. You will also explore effective use of mark schemes and examiner reports to fully support students in preparation for centre-assessed grades this summer.

02 | Progression from Key Stage 3 to 4 – In this section, you will explore threshold concepts and their significance within the KS3 and KS4 curriculum. You will also examine literacy strategies to support students in using appropriate technical vocabulary effectively.

03 | Retrieval Practice – In this session, you will learn about retrieval practice and how to apply it in the classroom, particularly in preparation for the summer assessments.

04 | Student Recall – With terminal exams, it is crucial that students can effectively recall knowledge to succeed. In this session, you will explore retrieval strategies in greater depth, along with interleaving techniques to better prepare students for their examinations.

05 | Picking Up Marks in Exams – This session will explore strategies to support students in answering different types of exam questions, including extended writing and programming questions, to help them maximise their marks.

How long is this course?

This course is approximately 6 hours of self directed learning.

How will you learn?

This online, self-paced course can be completed flexibly. You can join and start this course at any time after the advertised date, and keep access for a year after booking.

Outcomes

By the end of this course, you will:

Develop a secure understanding of the assessment processes at GCSE level
Gain experience of threshold concepts and how these can be firmly embedded in the curriculum to support student understanding
Examine interleaving teaching and retrieval strategies that could be adopted within their own practice
Develop a secure understanding of how to structure different exam style questions to fully support the needs of all students

This course is part of Teach secondary computing

Teach secondary computing

Our nationally recognised qualification will give you confidence to take your computing teaching to the next level and to apply those skills in the classroom.

Find out more