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Getting started with Python programming - residential

CP298 Face to face course

Start your journey with Python programming, this two day residential will support you with learning the language, up to GCSE level.

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Programming Residential and Intensive Algorithms Computing Key stage 3 Key stage 4 KS3 and GCSE subject knowledge certificate
Face to face course 2 days
  • York 20 February 10:00—21 February 2025

Take your first steps to becoming a competent teacher of Python programming; this CPD will develop your foundational knowledge around the Python language. During this two day residential you’ll learn about the three main programming concepts, sequencing, selection and iteration; sub-routines including functions and procedures; using arrays and external data files.

This CPD package will provide you with the opportunity to upskill your subject knowledge, up to GCSE level. Completing this pathway will contribute towards recognised certification through the Key stage 3 and GCSE Computer Science certificate. You'll be supported along the way by experienced teaching professionals, among a group of your peers.

You'll participate in live face-to-face CPD, with the opportunity to access on-demand online CPD. You'll take-away ready-to-use and successful teaching approaches from experienced teachers, supported by the latest research and evidence.

Across the two days you’ll complete the following courses:

•    Python programming constructs: sequencing, selection & iteration

•    Python programming: working with data

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. Subsidies are also available for teachers from state-funded schools and colleges which can be used towards travel, supply cover, teaching equipment or further local CPD.

If participants wish stay 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 of £45+VAT. 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 pathway is intended for teachers who have some basic knowledge of programming, either using block or text based languages. We recommend that you attend the ‘Foundation knowledge of computer science for KS3 and GCSE’ course if you’re new to programming.

Topics covered

  • Python programming constructs: sequencing, selection & iteration – during this course you learn how to program using the text based programming language, Python. You’ll learn how to use programming constructs sequencing, selection and iteration.
  • Python programming: working with data – during this course you’ll learn how to use subroutines; the differences between lists and arrays and how to use external data files in Python. 

How long is this course?

You’ll complete two courses from the Key stage 3 and GCSE Computer Science certificate, totalling approximately 12 hours, split across multiple days. 

Online courses are also available free of charge, these are available to complete before, alongside or after the face to face courses. 

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.

Outcomes

By attending this CPD you will be able to:

  •  Develop some basic program constructs using variables, handling user input and output to the screen
  •  Follow the flow of a program, identifying values held in variables at different stages of execution
  •  Create and control indefinite loop structures in programs
  •  Include user-written and built-in functions in programs, passing data between functions and main programs
  •  Understand the need for structured data, and manipulate simple data in Python lists

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

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