Introduction to programming for A Level Computer Science
CP517 Face to face course
During this course you'll learn new programming techniques to enable you to be able to teach programming at A Level.
Skip to course bookingEnter the world of A Level programming with this course which will develop your knowledge of the subject from the knowledge needed to teach GCSE computer science. This course equips new A-Level computer science teachers with essential programming concepts, focusing on data structures, control flow, modular design and file handling.
The focus of the course is for you to improve your programming capability so that you can pass on these skills to your students. This introduction programming course will then allow you to take further CPD within our offer without overwhelming your with too much too soon.
You will be able to see what it’s like for a GCSE student to move up to A level programming across one day to support them with the transition from GCSE to A Level.
Who is it for?
This course is intended for new teachers of A-Level computer science seeking to build foundational programming skills. The content will allow you to develop your programming skills so that you can teach this knowledge to you’re A Level students.
During this course you’ll access the Isaac Computer Science platform, it is advised you sign up for a free, teachers account ahead of the course.
Topics covered
01 | Exploring Data Structures and Control Flow: Understand and manipulate one-dimensional and two-dimensional arrays.
02 | Mastering Functions and Modular Design: Implement and use subprograms with local and global variables.
03 | File Handling and Error Management: Read and write text and CSV files, manage file operations, and handle errors.
How long is this course?
This course will last 6 hours and is delivered in 5 sessions. This course will involve both facilitator and participant-led activities.
How will you learn?
Participants will learn through interactive sessions, practical coding exercises, and hands-on projects to reinforce theoretical concepts.
Outcomes
By the end of this intensive CPD pathway you will be able to:
- Identify the need for data structures like one-dimensional and two-dimensional arrays.
- Explain the benefits of using subprograms and the concept of local and global variables.
- Differentiate between local and global variables within subprograms.
- Assess the effectiveness of file handling techniques, including reading and writing to text and CSV files.
- Develop robust applications that incorporate data structures, subprograms, and error management in file operations.
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.
Dates coming soon
Contact your local Computing Hub for more information
Find your local Hub
Adapted teaching and effective learning interventions in secondary computing
Develop an evidence-informed approach to education recovery over a sustained period, securing the computing education of young people following a period of great disruption.
Adapting the Teach Computing Curriculum for mixed-year classes - short course
Explore progression within Teach Computing Curriculum and how to use this to adapt it for your own mixed-age setting.
AI and Ethics in GCSE computer science
Artificial intelligence, what is it? How does it work? What are the ethical considerations for GCSE students. How could you teach it to your students?