Foundation knowledge of computer science for KS3 and GCSE CO426 / A24
Summary
A high-quality computer science education equips students with computational thinking and creativity, enabling them to understand and shape the world. As the core of the computing national curriculum, computer science is a foundation subject and a vital component of a broad and balanced education for all learners.
Whether you are new to teaching, transitioning into, or already delivering Key Stage 3 or GCSE computer science, this course will help you develop essential subject knowledge.
The sections in this course focus on key topics such as algorithms, data representation, hardware, and programming.
Who is it for?
This course is for prospective teachers of Key Stage 3 and 4 computing who may be new to the subject or have experience teaching computing in earlier years.
What topics are covered?
1. Introduction & Data Representation – During this session, you’ll learn about key hardware components inside a computer, how computers use binary, how to convert between binary and decimal values, and how images are represented digitally.
2. Algorithms – This session explores what algorithms are and how they are used in computing. You’ll begin creating your own flowchart algorithms and learn how various search and sort algorithms function.
3. Programming: Sequencing & Selection – Learn the fundamental programming constructs, including sequencing and selection. In this session, you will begin applying these concepts using a block-based programming language.
4. Programming: Iteration – Take the next step in your programming knowledge by learning about iteration. In this session, you will discover how to program both condition-controlled and count-controlled loops using a block-based language.
How will you learn?
This online, self-paced course can be completed flexibly. You can join and start this course at any time after the advertised date, and keep access for a year after booking.
How long is this course?
This course is approximately 6 hours of self directed learning.
Who is the course leader?
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This is a self-paced Online Course
The course leader will be introduced in the course.
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Outcomes
By the end of this course, you will:
- Understand why computers use binary and be able to convert between binary and decimal values
- Understand what an algorithm is and how to represent them by using flowcharts
- Be able to explain how search and sort algorithms work
- Be able to use a block based programming language using constructs sequencing, selection and iteration
Sessions
| Date | Time | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Foundation knowledge of computer science for KS3 and GCSE | 01 April 2025 | 00:00-00:00 |
Actions
Fees & Subsidies
Included in your CPD subscription
If the course you would like to attend is fully booked, please contact enquiries@stem.org.uk to express your interest in being added to a waiting list. We will contact you when the course is due to run again.
Are you a state-funded Special School or PRU unit in England? You may be eligible for reduced course fees and even subsidies. Get in touch to check your eligibility and book your place directly. You can see our fees and subsidy information here.
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