Foundation knowledge of computer science for KS3 and GCSE
CO426 Online course
For computer science teachers who are new to the subject or already teaching it, this CPD covers the foundational subject knowledge required to deliver the computing programme of study.
Skip to course bookingA high-quality computer science education equips students with computational thinking and creativity, enabling them to understand and shape the world. As the core of the computing national curriculum, computer science is a foundation subject and a vital component of a broad and balanced education for all learners.
Whether you are new to teaching, transitioning into, or already delivering Key Stage 3 or GCSE computer science, this course will help you develop essential subject knowledge.
The sections in this course focus on key topics such as algorithms, data representation, hardware, and programming.
Who is it for?
This course is for prospective teachers of Key Stage 3 and 4 computing who may be new to the subject or have experience teaching computing in earlier years.
Topics covered
1. Introduction & Data Representation – During this session, you’ll learn about key hardware components inside a computer, how computers use binary, how to convert between binary and decimal values, and how images are represented digitally.
2. Algorithms – This session explores what algorithms are and how they are used in computing. You’ll begin creating your own flowchart algorithms and learn how various search and sort algorithms function.
3. Programming: Sequencing & Selection – Learn the fundamental programming constructs, including sequencing and selection. In this session, you will begin applying these concepts using a block-based programming language.
4. Programming: Iteration – Take the next step in your programming knowledge by learning about iteration. In this session, you will discover how to program both condition-controlled and count-controlled loops using a block-based language.
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:
- 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 KS3 and GCSE Computer Science subject knowledge certificate
Key stage 3 and GCSE Computer Science certificate
Our certificate is designed to help you develop or refresh your computer science subject knowledge.
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