Higher attainment in GCSE computer science - meeting the challenge of exams - face to face
CP239 Face to face course
Explore how to improve attainment in GCSE Computer Science, look at how students should tackle exam questions and use key resources such as moderator reports, how retrieval and interleaving can be used and mapping progression from KS3 to KS4.
Skip to course bookingThis evidence-based CPD aims to raise knowledge amongst teachers of how to achieve the most out of your students, whilst preparing for their GCSE exams in computer science. Whether you’re already teaching computer science or completely new to the subject, this course is designed to support your understanding of how to increase student attainment at GCSE level.
Within this course you’ll learn how examinations are designed and written, the key terminology used in exams and how this should be approached by students. Explore structured methods of teaching towards extended writing and programming exam questions, plus top tips from experienced teachers of how to pick up marks in exam papers.
You’ll also discover the importance and research behind retrieval and interleaved learning, throughout the session you’ll explore example strategies that can be easily embedded within your own teaching practice.
During this course you’ll discover threshold concepts and how the ordering and timing of these concepts can significantly improve student understanding. You’ll explore how progression maps can be used to map the curriculum throughout KS3 and 4, whilst embedding threshold concepts to maximise progress.
By the end of the course you’ll have the foundations of a variety of strategies that can be taken into the classroom, to support raising the attainment of students.
Prior Knowledge:
No prior experience or knowledge of computing is expected before attending this course. It is advised that you become familiar with the National Curriculum in Computing before participating.
Do you prefer to learn remotely? If so, take a look at: Higher attainment in GCSE computer science - meeting the challenge of exams
Who is it for?
This course is for current or prospective teachers of GCSE computer science with some understanding of the computing curriculum.
Topics covered
- 01 | Understanding the assessment process - this session will outline the structure of how exams are created and marked, the wording of exam questions including how these should be approached by students, how to effectively use mark schemes and examiner reports to fully support students with common misconceptions.
- 02 | Progression from Key Stage 3 to 4 - during this session you will explore threshold concepts and the importance of pin pointing these within the KS3 & 4 curriculum. Explore literacy strategies that can be used to support students around the use of appropriate technical vocabulary.
- 03 | Student recall - with terminal exams it’s important students can recall knowledge to ensure they’re successful in the exams. In this session you’ll examine retrieval strategies and interleaving of teaching to better prepare students for examinations.
- 04 | Picking up the marks in exams - this session will allow you to consider ways that can be used to support students answer different style questions on the exam papers, including extended writing and programming exam questions.
How long is this course?
This course is a one-day course involving five hours of teaching time.
This course is delivered as part of the National Centre for Computing Education.
How will you learn?
Hands-on experiential learning with the collaborative support of your peers.
Expert advice and instruction on the GCSE curriculum and the expectations of a computer science teacher, from experienced classroom practitioners.
Time to reflect on your own needs, and to develop a plan to raise the attainment of students studying GCSE Computer Science.
Outcomes
Participants 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 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.
Dates coming soon
Contact your local Computing Hub for more information
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