Secondary Computing Courses 

HIGHLIGHTS, CERTIFICATION AND RESOURCES

Subsidies Available

We offer subsidies to provide two days of supply cover (£205 per day) for teachers to attend the Computer Science Accelerator (CSA) CPD, helping to develop teachers’ subject knowledge and skills without impacting pupils' lessons. This support is available to state-funded secondary schools and colleges in England.

This incentive payment is capped at two days of release per school in an academic year, which will support a teacher to complete the minimum required CPD to access the CSA test.

I Belong - Girls in Computing

In 2022, only one in five GCSE Computer Science and 15.2% of all A level Computer Science entries, were from female students in England. Encourage more girls to participate in computer science through an evidence-informed programme.

Issac Computer Science

Access free self-marking homework questions and resources for you and your students for GCSE and A-level.

KS3 and GCSE Computer Science certificate (formerly known as CSA)

Awarded by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, this certificate is for any teacher who wants to develop or refresh their subject knowledge at the same time as working towards a nationally recognised qualification. Your school could receive a subsidy to support you on this journey. 

You will see that many of our courses work towards this qualification.

Secondary computing certificate

This professional development programme is designed to enhance how you teach secondary computing, and to give you confidence to apply those skills in the classroom. Throughout your learning journey, you'll get the opportunity to develop yourself, your professional community, and your students, by engaging in a range of activities. 

UPCOMING COURSES

We have a variety of CPD courses running over the next few months and are constantly adding new courses so do check back soon. All of our courses are free of charge for state schools.

If there is anything you would want to see here or if you have any questions don't hesitate to contact us. 

We hope to see you at one of our courses soon!

I belong Student Event - 9th May, Langley Grammar School

Morning Session - 11.30 to 12.00 - Find out more and book  

Afternoon Session - 12.30 to 15.00 - Find out more and book

Come and experience our exciting computing workshop aimed at young female students from Year 8 (or Year 9)! Prepare to immerse your students in the captivating world of coding and creativity as we introduce them to the fun of NeoPixel LEDs when combined with the versatile Micro:bit mini computer. In this hands-on 2.5 hour session, your students will be guided by a female instructor from U Can Too, as they become the masters of light, programming vibrant light displays that dance to the beat of their imagination. Witness the magic as their code transforms into a symphony of colours, each creation as unique as the minds behind them. 

Computing Quality Framework – driving change within your secondary school - short course 




Explore the Computing Quality Framework to identify and support change within your school. You will find out about the framework and how to review their progress in developing computing provision. You will explore the dimensions within the framework and find out how they relate to computing within a school. Learning how to use the framework to identify strengths and weakness in your school’s computing provision, you will identify next steps to implement change and monitor progress. 

Secondary Computing Leadership Network Meeting 

Talk with other Secondary computing teachers and gain support in enhancing the computing curriculum within schools. This meeting will be held online on the: 

10th June - 15.45 to 16.45 - Join us! 

Python Programming Courses (CSA)

Python Programming Constructs: sequencing, selection & iteration

Develop your foundational knowledge around the Python language for your GCSE specification. Learn how to write code and to use the building blocks of sequence, selection and iteration. Learn how to write code to input, process and output data, and how to manipulate data stored in variables. Using the building blocks of sequence, selection and iteration you’ll begin to understand how programs are constructed to perform a multitude of simple and more complex tasks.

Python programming: analysis, design and evaluation - Multiple dates available - Dates, info and booking 

Develop your Python programming skills by exploring the analysis, design and evaluation stages of the software development life cycle.

Python programming: working with data - Multiple dates available - Dates, info and booking 

In this course you’ll learn about data types, and how data structures are manipulated in Python programs.

Python programming: advanced subject knowledge, implementation and testing - Multiple dates available - Dates, info and booking 

Develop your Python programming skills by exploring advanced programming techniques then implementing and testing these in a working solution.

Subject Knowledge Focus Courses (CSA)

Preparing to take the CSA test (Now referred to as - KS3 and GCSE Computer Science Certificate) - short course - N.B.THIS COURSE DOES NOT CONTRIBUTE TO YOUR CSA HOURS BUT IS A GREAT AID AND ADDITION.

This short course, delivered by an experienced Professional Development Leader will support you ahead of taking the CSA test. You'll have the opportunity to ask questions and revise topics.

An introduction to computer systems, networking and security in GCSE computer science

Learn about the different components of computer hardware, including devices not instantly recognisable as computers.

Foundation knowledge of computer science for KS3 and GCSE

Explore the foundation subject knowledge required to teach computer science as part of the national curriculum and develop engaging strategies for delivering this material.

An Introduction to algorithms, programming and data in computer science - Remote - Multiple dates available - Dates, info and booking

Create some simple block-based computer programs and discover how to implement them in the text based language Python.

Introduction to algorithms, programming and data for D&T teachers - Remote - Multiple dates available - Dates, info and booking

Learn how to use programming techniques using VEX, Crumble or Micro:bits. Create simple block-based computer programs, discover how to create algorithms and how computers use data.

Maths in computer science - Remote - Multiple dates available - Dates, info and booking

Mathematics is firmly embedded at the core of computer science, during this course you’ll explore the foundational topics at the heart of mathematics and computer science.

Fundamentals of computer networks - Remote - Multiple dates available - Dates, info and booking

Learn how computers of all shapes and sizes are connected physically, or wirelessly, and how this arrangement affects how data is shared.

Representing algorithms using flowcharts and pseudocode - Remote - Multiple dates available - Dates, info and booking

Improve your knowledge of algorithms to the level appropriate for GCSE teaching. Become confident in using the key building blocks of sequence, selection and iteration, and learn to apply algorithmic thinking.

Search and sort algorithms - Remote - Multiple dates available - Dates, info and booking

An understanding of algorithms is fundamental to success in GCSE computer science this course will teach you how algorithms manipulate data to achieve desired aims.

The internet and cyber security - Remote - Multiple dates available - Dates, info and booking

Build on knowledge of local computer networks to cover the globally connected systems forming the internet.

Introduction to Isaac GCSE computer science - short course - Remote - Multiple dates available - Dates, info and booking

This short course will introduce you to the new, Isaac GCSE computer science platform.

Subject Area Focused Courses

Collaboration in KS3 programming - Remote - Multiple dates available - Dates, info and booking 

Engage students and build awareness of the collaborative nature of programming in the real world, through evidence-based teaching approaches.

Creative digital media projects - Remote - Multiple dates available - Dates, info and booking 

Lead students through the full digital media project life-cycle, in engaging projects suitable for KS3 and KS4 computing.

Solving computational problems in KS3 computing - Remote - Multiple dates available - Dates, info and booking 

Build the capability of students to solve problems in computing, and be ready for GCSE Computer Science

Data-driven IT projects in secondary computing - Remote - Multiple dates available - Dates, info and booking 

Develop the required technical skills and teaching approaches for data-rich IT projects in computing.

Other Secondary Computing Courses

New subject leaders of secondary computing

Remote - Multiple dates available - Dates, info and booking

Develop the leadership skills and management practices to confidently coordinate an effective computing department.

KS4 Computing for all - FACE TO FACE - 6th June - 9.30-15.30 - Bucks Digital Hub, Aylesbury, BUCKS - Info and booking

This action-oriented professional development course explores the options available to computing teachers in different school contexts.

Assessment and progression in KS3 Computing - FACE TO FACE - 10th June - 9.30-15.30 - Shaw House, Newbury, BERKS - Info and booking

For Key Stage 3 computing teachers who are new or existing to the subject. This CPD covers the key formative and assessment strategies needed in key stage 3 and beyond, including strategies relating to programming.

Encouraging girls into GCSE computer science

Explore the bigger picture and be equipped to address the gender gap in Computer Science and improve uptake in your school.

Supporting GCSE computer science students at grades 1-3 - Remote - Multiple dates available - Dates, info and booking

Explore how to improve attainment in Computer Science for students working towards grades 1 - 3.

Adapted teaching and effective learning interventions in secondary computing - Remote - Multiple dates available - Dates, info and booking

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.

Higher attainment in computer science - meeting the challenges of the exams - Remote - Multiple dates available - Dates, info and booking

Explore how to improve attainment in 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.

Teaching GCSE computer science: improving student engagement - Remote - Multiple dates available - Dates, info and booking

Improve student engagement in your GCSE computer science lessons by developing your classroom pedagogy.

Other Secondary Computing Short Courses

Assessment in secondary computing - short course - Remote - Multiple dates available - Dates, info and booking

Effective teaching is underpinned by the accurate use of assessment, during this course you’ll explore formative and summative assessment strategies whilst understanding how to accurately assess.

Behaviour for learning in a computing environment - short course - Remote - Multiple dates available - Dates, info and booking

This CPD covers generic behavior for learning strategies, including managing own behaviours, rules routines, recognition reward and interventions and links them it back to their use in a computing environment.

Diagnostic assessment for GCSE computer science - short course - Remote - Multiple dates available - Dates, info and booking

Learn how to use quality-assured, free subject knowledge tests for diagnostic assessment of students of computer science GCSE.

Enriching secondary computing with STEM Ambassadors in your region - short course - Remote - Multiple dates available - Dates, info and booking

Bring computing careers into the classroom with STEM Ambassadors - volunteers from the world of work.

Preparing for Ofsted in secondary computing - short course - Remote - Multiple dates available - Dates, info and booking

Get yourself and your teaching team inspection-ready with this short course, exploring how to prepare for an Ofsted 'Deep Dive' in computing.

Online courses you can join anytime

An Introduction to Computer Networking for Teachers - Info and joining

Build your knowledge and understanding of computer networks as a computer science teacher.

Creating an Inclusive Classroom: Approaches to Supporting Learners with SEND in Computing - Info and joining

Explore ways to make your computing lessons more inclusive for learners with special educational needs and disabilities.

Data Representation in Computing: Bring Data to Life - Info and joining

Learn how data is represented through media; audio, visual and text.

Design and Prototype Embedded Computer Systems - Info and joining

Discover embedded system design and work your way through the product design lifecycle.

How Computers Work: Demystifying Computation - Info and joining

Explore the fundamentals of computing - computer architecture, binary logic, data processing, circuits, and more.

How to utilise the teach computing curriculum effectively (Key Stages 3 and 4) - Info and joining

Create an inspiring and engaging computing curriculum for secondary school students, using freely available resources.

Impact of Technology: How To Lead Classroom Discussions - Info and joining

You will explore the ethical, legal, cultural, and environmental concerns surrounding computer science.

Introduction to Cybersecurity for Teachers - Info and joining

Teachers will be introduced to the core ideas of cybersecurity that should be taught in the classroom.

Introduction to databases and SQL - Info and joining

On this course you’ll learn what databases are and why we use them, exploring how to use SQL to search and manipulate the data.

Introduction to Encryption and Cryptography - Info and joining

Discover the history of encryption and learn how it's used in the modern world.

Introduction to Machine Learning and AI - Info and joining

Discover the fundamentals of machine learning, how it works, and learn to train your own AI using free online tools.

Introduction to Web Development - Info and joining

Discover web development and learn to build your own interactive websites using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

Object-oriented Programming in Python: Create Your Own Adventure Game - Info and joining

Learn object-oriented programming principles by creating your own text-based adventure game in Python.

Programming 101: An Introduction to Python to Educators - Info and joining

During this course you'll explore the basics of Python, you’ll learn to code your first program.

Programming 102: Think like a Computer Scientist - Info and joining

During this course you'll take your Python skills further by exploring algorithms and list structures.

Programming 103: Saving and Structuring Data - Info and joining

Learn how to save and structure data in external files, and import files back into your Python programs.

Programming Pedagogy in Secondary Schools: Inspiring Computing Teaching - Info and joining

Examine a range of pedagogical approaches suitable for teaching computing in Key Stage 3.

Programming with GUIs - Info and joining

Discover how to build your own Graphical User Interface (GUI) with Python and guizero.

Understanding Computer Systems - Info and joining

Understand how the components of a computer system interact with each other on this online course for computing teachers.

Understanding Maths and Logic in Computer Science - Info and joining

Improve your understanding and ability to teach maths and logic in computing while building elements of an escape room.

CAS Conference 2024 

13th July - Find out more here


CAS Conference 2024 will bring us all together with a fantastic line-up of speakers, a chance to get together and share ideas, and hear about the latest innovations in computing education. Choose from a programme of over 65 workshops covering a range of topics relevant to primary, secondary and A-level teachers.  

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