An Introduction to A Level Computer Science - residential
CP268 Face to face course
Begin your journey into the world of teaching A level computer science. Tailored for those new to teaching the A level computer science or looking to improve their subject knowledge.
Skip to course bookingThis two-day residential is the first step to effectively teaching A level Computer Science. Funded by the Department for Education, this residential is completely free for educators at state schools, this includes meals and accommodation.
What you’ll learn:
You will explore elements you can’t teach without. Including, necessary foundational knowledge, mathematical content, and the transition from GCSE to A level.
Explore the programming at A level
Programming is a key element of the A level qualification, you’ll need to understand how to use sub programmes, have a knowledge of indexing, and build on your understanding of external files and data structures.
You’ll explore all of this and build confidence when dealing with more complex errors, which will help students with their projects.
Binary and hexadecimal
Fundamental within computer science, you’ll explore using sign and magnitude, and two’s complement. You’ll be supported to explain negative numbers to students as well as floating point representation.
Assembly language
On this course, you’ll discover the differences between high level code and assembly language. You’ll explore the different mnemonics that exist and how these can be used to write programs.
Residential information:
This is a residential course at the National STEM Learning Centre, York. Meals and overnight accommodation are included for participants for the duration of the course.
If participants wish to spend the night before the residential in York, bed and breakfast will be available at the centre’s on-site accommodation at a discounted rate. Participants can email [email protected] to secure this rate, providing their course booking information and confirming the night(s) they would like to stay.
Who is it for?
This is tailored for teachers who are either new to teaching A Level Computer Science or looking to upskill.
Topics covered
Across the two days you’ll complete the following modules:
- Introduction to A level programming
- Introduction to Maths in A level Computer Science
- Assembly language in A level Computer Science
How long is this course?
This course totals approximately 12 hours, this will be split over two consecutive days.
How will you learn?
Hands-on experiential learning with the collaborative support of your peers. You’ll be taught by experienced classroom practitioners, who will equip you with expert advice, instruction on the A level curriculum, and how to thrive as a computer science teacher.
Outcomes
By the end of this intensive CPD pathway you will be able to:
- Expand your knowledge of using functions and procedures including using functions inside of functions
- Learn the differences between passing by reference and passing by value and why both approaches exist
- Develop your knowledge of using indexing alongside using lists and arrays in programming
- Learn how to handle exceptions that can occur in programs due to the user's inputs
- Upgrade your knowledge of binary to include representing negative and decimal numbers
- Learn the rules to convert decimal numbers into floating point and reversing this process
- Learn the rules of adding and subtracting floating point numbers
- Learn how to use a range of assembly language commands to create programs for little man computer questions
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.
A level Computer Science subject knowledge
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