Maths for A Level Computer Science CE518 / F01

Start date
13 Mar 25
Duration
3 Hours
Location
Oxford Brookes University, Headington Campus, Gipsy Lane, Oxford OX3 0BP View on Google Map

This course still has availability, book now

Summary

Enhance your A-level CS teaching with a deep focus on number representation. This course covers binary/denary conversions, floating point numbers, normalisation, and related mathematical operations, boosting your confidence in teaching maths-related content.

We want to help support your journey into the A Level classroom and a key step for many teachers teaching A Level is getting to grips with floating point representation of numbers. We will show you the steps to then pass on to your students to give them the very best chances in their learning. 

In this three-hour CPD session, you will strengthen your theoretical understanding and practical skills in number representation. You'll learn to perform conversions, handle floating point numbers, and normalise data. Through interactive discussions and hands-on activities, you will explore effective pedagogical approaches and become equipped to teach these concepts with confidence. Collaborate with peers and gain valuable insights to integrate these topics seamlessly into your curriculum.

Who is it for?

This course is aimed at teachers delivering A Level computer science. Since this content is not covered in most GCSE specifications we will take you right from the very basics to the more advanced topics.

During this course you’ll access the Isaac Computer Science platform, it is advised you sign up for a free, teacher's account ahead of the course.

What topics are covered?

Session 1 - Intro representing numbers at A level

  • Representing numbers in binary
  • Representing numbers in hexadecimal
  • Binary addition including adding 4 1’s
  • Methods for representing negative numbers

Session 2 - Floating point numbers

  • Fixed point binary representation
  • Converting normalised numbers into decimal values

Session 3 - Binary Addition and Subtraction using 2s Complement

  • Converting numbers that are not in normalised form
  • Adding up floating point numbers with different exponents
  • Subtracting floating point numbers with different exponents 

How will you learn?

Scheduled live, interactive online sessions led by an experienced practitioner. Flexible Professional Development Leader-supported, participant-led tasks, involving deep exploration of the subject content. 

How long is this course?

This course will last 3 hours and is delivered in 3 sessions.

Who is the course leader?

Outcomes

By the end of this intensive CPD pathway you will be able to:

  • Represent signed integers using sign and 2's complement for both positive and negative numbers.
  • Perform binary subtraction calculations.
  • Represent decimal values using fixed point and floating point representation.
  • Normalise non-normalised positive and negative floating point numbers.
  • Perform addition and subtraction of floating point numbers.

Sessions

DateTimeLocation
1. Introducing representing numbers at A level13 March 202509:00-10:00Oxford Brookes University
2. Floating point numbers13 March 202510:00-11:00Oxford Brookes University
3. Addition and subtraction using 2s complement13 March 202511:00-12:00Oxford Brookes University

Share with your CPD booker

Cost

English MaintainedActivity feeFreeSubsidy available*£0.00
OtherActivity fee£75.00 +VATSubsidy available*£0.00
Priority schoolActivity feeFreeSubsidy available*£0.00
Priority school repeat teacherActivity feeFreeSubsidy available*£0.00
Trainee TeacherActivity feeFree

This subsidy can contribute towards the costs associated with supply cover Find out more.

Check your school subsidy status

The subsidy value may be higher for your school or college.

This course still has availability, book now

Additional information

Would you like this course delivered at your school? Contact enquiries@stem.org.uk to find out more.

Alternative dates

Interested in this course?

Sign up to receive our emails to hear about the latest CPD available