KS4 computing for all
CO900 Online course
This action-oriented professional development course explores the options available to computing teachers in different school contexts.
Skip to course bookingComputing is a National curriculum foundation subject and a vital aspect of a broad and balanced curriculum for all learners. Pathways through computing have reduced for some students, however, leading to a narrowing of their future options. GCSE computer science is at the heart of provision for KS4, but evidence shows an overall reduction in access to computing education following KS3.
This action-oriented professional development course explores the options available to teachers in different school contexts. The key outcome is an individualised plan to provide a high quality computing education in KS4 for all students – working within current timetabling arrangements and also planning for a comprehensive qualification suite that attracts significant numbers of learners.
Participants will develop a shared understanding of the KS4 computing curriculum, and the skills, knowledge and resources that effectively underpin it. They will take a proactive approach to shaping the future of the subject, leading to a sustainable and effective offer which maximises the capability of the teaching staff. In turn, this will help all students become safe, knowledgeable and skilled users of computing technology able to pursue a variety of further study and employment options.
Who is it for?
Curriculum leaders and teachers responsible for key stage 4 curriculum design and implementation.
Topics covered
Establishing the vision - analyse the current context for KS4 computing in your school and the main drivers for curriculum change. Identify opportunities for computing within the current curriculum framework and develop a vision for short and longer-term curriculum development.
Building the curriculum offer - discover how computing can fulfil its role within constrains of the KS4 curriculum in your school. Find out about a range of cross-curricular and extra-curricular computing approaches and resources to enrich the experience for your students.
Broadening the KS4 qualification offer - become confident in your knowledge of the range of technical and vocational qualifications across the full breadth of computing. Evaluate the specifications of qualifications and assess their fitness for your KS4 cohort.
How long is this course?
This course will take approximately 6 hours to complete online.
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 online course you will be able to:
- Find opportunities within the current timetable structure to improve the skills and knowledge of all students within and beyond the curriculum, and even outside of the school day
- Discover and evaluate a range of resources to improve learning, and to support non-specialist teachersgain accurate knowledge of the broader computing qualification landscape, including which qualifications can be offered in harmony
- Develop the case for a rich qualification offer centred on GCSE Computer Science and extending across information technology and creative digital media
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.
Join this course
You need to be logged in to join the course.
Available from 31 January 2026.
Adapted teaching and effective learning interventions in secondary computing
Develop an evidence-informed approach to education recovery over a sustained period, securing the computing education of young people following a period of great disruption.
Adapting the teach computing curriculum for mixed-year classes
Explore progression within Teach Computing Curriculum and how to use this to adapt it for your own mixed-age setting.
Advanced A-Level Programming
Deepen your knowledge of algorithms, recursion, and Big O notation with this CPD course for new A-level Computer Science teachers.