Summer school for computer-specialist trainee teachers CD246 / A01
Summary
This summer school is intended to help trainee teachers/teachers who already have some experience in computer science to further their knowledge and confidence in preparation for teaching at a key stage 4 level.
The summer school will consist of three courses which will build on foundational knowledge of computing, and introduce pedagogical considerations to help teachers get the most out of their students and improve exam preparedness and results:
- Python Programming: working with data (CP233)
- Search and Sort Algorithms (CP230)
- Higher attainment in GCSE Computer Science (CP239)
Who is it for?
This course is for prospective teachers of computer science with some understanding of computer science fundamentals.
What topics are covered?
Search and sort algorithms-
- 01 | Tracing algorithms – learn how to effectively trace algorithms to understand how they work and whether they can be improved.
- 02 | Search algorithms – search algorithms allow you to retrieve data stored within a data structure, this session explores different search algorithms including binary and linear searches.
- 03 | Sort algorithms – sort algorithms arrange data into a sequential order. This session explores how bubble, merge and insertion sorts work.
Python programming: working with data-
- 01 | Subroutines - explore the purpose of functions in programming. Learn how local and global variables are used when defining and calling functions in Python.
- 02 | Working with subroutines - develop your own working programs using subroutines.
- 03 | Lists and arrays - discover how lists are used in Python to store data values. Interact with lists using commands such as append & remove. Learn how to create and access a two-dimensional list in Python.
- 04 | Working with lists and arrays - develop your own working programs using lists and arrays.
- 05 | Reading and writing using files - learn how to read and display content from a text file to a user, understand the difference and construct code that will write or append to a text file.
Higher attainment in GCSE computer science: meeting the challenge of exams-
- 01 | Understanding the assessment process - this session will outline the structure of how exams are created and marked, the wording of exam questions including how these should be approached by students, how to effectively use mark schemes and examiner reports to fully support students with common misconceptions.
- 02 | Progression from Key Stage 3 to 4 - during this session you will explore threshold concepts and the importance of pin pointing these within the KS3 & 4 curriculum. Explore literacy strategies that can be used to support students around the use of appropriate technical vocabulary.
- 03 | Student recall - with terminal exams it’s important students can recall knowledge to ensure they’re successful in the exams. In this session you’ll examine retrieval strategies and interleaving of teaching to better prepare students for examinations.
- 04 | Picking up the marks in exams - this session will allow you to consider ways that can be used to support students answer different style questions on the exam papers, including extended writing and programming exam questions.
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 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 course is approximately 16.5 hours in duration, split across three days.
This course is delivered as part of the National Centre for Computing Education.
Who is the course leader?
Outcomes
Search and sort algorithms-
- Learn how algorithms manipulate data to achieve desired aims.
- Be able to hand-trace algorithms and debug them.
- Know the difference between different sort and search algorithms.
- Evaluate the suitability for different algorithms depending on the data to which they are applied.
Python Programming: working with data-
- Understand why modular programs are easier to understand, build and maintain
- Include user-written and built-in functions in programs, passing data between functions and main programs
- Learn about variable scope and how it affects subroutines and functions
- Understand the need for structured data, and manipulate simple data in Python lists
- Explain the differences between commonly used file formats, and manipulate their contents using Python code
- Develop confidence in leading your students as they develop their programming skills
Higher attainment in GCSE Computer Science-
- Develop a secure understanding of the assessment processes at GCSE level
- Gain experience of threshold concepts and how these can be firmly embedded in the curriculum to support student understanding
- Examine interleaving teaching and retrieval strategies that could be adopted within their own practice
- Develop a secure understanding of how to structure different exam style questions to fully support the needs of all students
Sessions
| Date | Time | Location | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Search and sort algorithms | 25 July 2022 | 09:30-15:00 | University of Southampton |
| 2 Python Programming: working with data | 26 July 2022 | 09:30-15:00 | University of Southampton |
| 3 Higher attainment in GCSE Computer Science | 27 July 2022 | 09:30-15:00 | University of Southampton |
Actions
Fees & Subsidies
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