An introduction to algorithms, programming and data in GCSE computer science - face to face CE228 / F03
Summary
Take your first steps towards teaching GCSE computer science and establish a foundational knowledge base of concepts, terminology and classroom practice. Find out how algorithms are designed and how programs are written to provide clear instructions to machines. Learn about the binary system and how it's used by computers to store and process data, plus how to convert to and from the familiar denary system of numbers zero to nine.
Create some simple block-based computer programs and discover how to implement them in the text based language Python. Use your knowledge to write programs that can handle user input and manipulate variable values before outputting simple messages to the screen.
Prior knowledge:
No prior experience or knowledge of computer science is expected before attending this course. It is advised that you become familiar with the National Curriculum in Computing before participating, as well as the GCSE specification you are likely to teach.
Do you prefer to learn remotely? If so, take a look at: An introduction to algorithms, programming and data in GCSE computer science
Recommended next steps
This foundation course helps novice computer science teachers access the Computer Science Accelerator Programme. It is strongly recommended that its counterpart course: An introduction to computer systems, networking and security in GCSE computer science is also attended before progressing further into the programme.
This course is delivered as part of the National Centre for Computing Education.
At the end of this course we will provide a revision session, with catering, to help you brush up on any gaps in your knowledge and give you the confidence to complete your CSA journey and take the test.
Who is it for?
This course is for prospective teachers of GCSE computer science who may be new to the subject, or who may teach computing in earlier years.
What topics are covered?
- 01 | Introduction to algorithms. From the instructions you might give to make the perfect cup of tea, to the steps needed to sort a list alphabetically, this session will introduce algorithms. You’ll discover the three key constructs that comprise all algorithms at this level, and how to describe algorithms using flowcharts and pseudocode as required by the GCSE examination.
- 02 | Essentials of computer programming. Computers do not understand English as humans do. To get a computer to carry out the instructions contained in an algorithm, a computer program must be written. In this session you’ll find out how the basics are expressed in a simple block-based language, as well as the text-based language Python.
- 03 | What is data? Data is all around us, in written and electronic formats. Computers handle data in the form of binary – ones and zeros that can represent the dates, alphabetical characters, images and so on that are important to us humans. You’ll carry out basic data-handling operations through simple programs, changing inputted data into different outputted data.
How will you learn?
You’ll engage with active learning in groups including direct instruction, hands-on activities and challenge-based learning. Examination practice with guidance will be linked to the specific requirements of the main awarding bodies. The course will model teaching approaches that can be taken back to the classroom.
How long is this course?
This is a one-day course which consists of five hours of teaching time.
Who is the course leader?
Outcomes
You will:
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Learn about algorithms, how they are usually represented, and some of their most common applications
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Understand how human-language algorithms are translated through computer programs into binary, to be executed by a computer
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Recognise and use the basic building blocks of programming: sequence, selection and repetition
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Understand how binary, denary and hexadecimal are used to represent numbers, and why this is important for computer science
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Develop basic programming skills using block-based and text-based languages
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Develop confidence in subject knowledge, ready to progress further towards becoming a GCSE computer science teacher.
Sessions
| Date | Time | Location | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 An introduction to algorithms, programming and data in GCSE computer science | 21 March 2022 | 09:30-15:30 | St Clement Danes School |
| Optional - CSA revision session (with catering) | 21 March 2022 | 15:30-17:00 | St Clement Danes School |
Actions
Fees & Subsidies
Additional information
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.
Alternative dates
Newstead Wood School, Avebury Road, Orpington BR6 9SA
Penrice Academy, Charlestown Road, St Austell PL25 3NR
Tameside One, Wellington Road, Ashton-under-Lyne OL6 6BL
Humphrey Perkins High School & Community Centre Barrow Upon Soar, Cotes Road, Barrow-upon-Soar, Loughborough LE12 8JU
Judgemeadow Community College, Marydene Drive, Evington, Leicester LE5 6HP
All Saints Catholic School York, Mill Mount Lane, York YO24 1BJ
Oxford Brookes University, Headington Campus, Gipsy Lane, Oxford OX3 0BP
Sandringham School, The Ridgeway, St Albans AL4 9NX
University of Hertfordshire2, De Havilland Campus, Mosquito Way, Hatfield AL10 9EU
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