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Foundation knowledge of computer science for KS3 and GCSE (face to face)

CP226 Face to face course

For computer science teachers who are new or existing to the subject. This CPD covers the foundation subject knowledge required to teach the computing programme of study.

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Algorithmic thinking Computer networks Computer systems Data & information Programming Key stage 3 Key stage 4 CS Accelerator
Face to face course 6 hours

  • Reading 12 June 09:30—12 June 2023
  • Nottingham 12 June 09:30—12 June 2023
  • Leicester 13 June 09:00—13 June 2023
  • West Drayton 14 June 09:30—14 June 2023
  • Birmingham 15 June 09:30—15 June 2023
  • York 19 June 09:30—19 June 2023
  • Stotfold 21 June 09:30—21 June 2023
  • Bicester 22 June 09:30—22 June 2023
  • Bromborough 23 June 09:15—23 June 2023
  • Berkeley 23 June 09:30—23 June 2023
  • Warrington 23 June 09:30—23 June 2023
  • Bournemouth 26 June 09:15—26 June 2023
  • Bilston 27 June 09:30—27 June 2023
  • London 4 July 09:30—4 July 2023
  • London 5 July 09:15—5 July 2023
  • Darlington 6 July 09:00—6 July 2023
  • London 6 July 09:30—6 July 2023
  • Gloucester 6 July 09:30—6 July 2023
  • London 7 July 09:30—7 July 2023
  • Luton 11 July 10:00—11 July 2023
  • Bingley 12 July 09:30—12 July 2023
  • Swindon 13 July 09:30—13 July 2023
  • Bury St Edmunds 14 July 09:30—14 July 2023
  • Rotherham 14 July 09:30—14 July 2023
  • Hatfield 24 July 09:30—24 July 2023
  • Nottingham 9 November 09:15—9 November 2023

A high-quality computer science education equips students to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world. Computer science forms the core of the computing national curriculum, a foundation subject and a vital aspect of a broad and balanced curriculum for all learners. If you’re new, moving towards or an existing teacher of Key Stage 3 / GCSE computer science, then this course will allow you to explore the foundation subject knowledge, required to teach computer science as part of the national curriculum. The sessions within this course are designed to give you the subject knowledge around key topics such as algorithms, data representation, hardware and programming, whilst also exploring useful and engaging strategies for delivering this content in the classroom.

Who is it for?

This course is for prospective teachers of Key Stage 3 / 4 computing who may be new to the subject, or who may have taught computing in earlier years.

Topics covered

  • 01 Introduction & data representation – during this session you’ll learn about key hardware components inside the computer and how computers use binary, convert between binary and decimal values and how images are represented by a computer.
  • 02 Algorithms – this session will explore what algorithms are and how they’re used in computing, you’ll begin creating your own flowchart algorithms and learn how several search and sort algorithms function.
  • 03 Programming (Part 1) – learn the principle programming constructs required, including sequencing and selection, this session will begin using these constructs in a block based language.
  • 04 Programming (Part 2) – take the next steps with your programming knowledge by learning about iteration, in this session you will learn how to program both condition and count controlled loops in a block based language.

How long is this course?

The course is approximately six hours in duration.

How will you learn?

Hands-on experiential learning with the collaborative support of your peers.

Expert advice and instruction on the computing curriculum and the expectations of a computer science teacher, from experienced classroom practitioners.

Outcomes

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

  • Understand why computers use binary and be able to convert between binary and decimal values
  • Understand what an algorithm is and how to represent them by using flowcharts
  • Be able to explain how search and sort algorithms work
  • Be able to use a block based programming language using constructs sequencing, selection and iteration

This course is part of the Subject knowledge certificate

Subject knowledge certificate

Our professional development programme, Computer Science Accelerator, is designed to help you develop or refresh your subject knowledge and leads to a nationally recognised certificate.

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This course is from the National Centre for Computing Education and is delivered by STEM Learning.

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