News Article

Spring into the Computer Science Accelerator

Are you looking to grow your computer science knowledge this Spring? Jump in, grab your computer, and get cracking on your professional learning this term.

What is CSA in the Spring?

4 weeks of curated courses to help teachers to grow their knowledge
Two tracks to follow: new and advanced learners (see below)
Teachers of all subject backgrounds are welcome
Online courses: start at any time and learn at your own pace
Remote taught courses: short, live training courses, taught by our subject experts. Each course will run multiple times
Get up to £1800 of bursary funding for your school or college
Receive a nationally recognised certificate for your training through our Computer Science Accelerator

Track 1: New to computing

Join this track if you are a teacher who is new to computing and want to build a strong set of core skills to use in your classroom.

Remote courses

Get started by joining our new to computing remote course track, which includes the courses below. We recommend choosing two courses to start you on the path to achieving your goals.

>> Introduction to algorithms, programming and data in GCSE computer science

New to computing? This live course will give you a comprehensive introduction to the curriculum. You’ll create some simple block-based computer programs and discover how to implement them in Python.

>>Introduction to computer systems, networking and security in GCSE computer science

What technologies are used to connect machines and to share data? How do I learn more about security risks? Build your knowledge while learning about the different components of computer hardware that students need to be safe online.

>>Python programming constructs: sequencing, selection and iteration

Take your programming skills further, learning how to write code to input, process and output data, and how to manipulate data stored in variables.

Online courses

We recommend booking onto two of the following courses:

>> Programming 101: an introduction to python for educators (starting 19 April)

New to computing? Take your first steps to becoming a computer programmer with Programming 101! In this 4 week course, you will cover the basic rules of programming, how to avoid common errors, and write your FIRST CODE in the programming language Python. You can also share your learnings with students in your own lessons in September!

>> Impact of technology: how to lead classroom discussions (starting 19 April)

What is the cultural impact of social media? How will automation change our lives? What are the legal issues surrounding cyber security? This course on the impact of technology will help you build the skills necessary to have engaging and meaningful discussions with your students on the ethical, legal, cultural, and environmental impacts of technology.

>>How computers work: demystifying computation (starting 5 April)

What is a computer anyway? On this course, you’ll gain an understanding of the processes that underpin every modern computer – from supercomputers to smartphones, and everything in between

Track 2: Advanced GCSE computer science

Join this track if you are a teacher who is familiar with computing and you want to learn new skills to use in your classroom.

Remote courses

Get started by joining our advanced teaching remote track, which includes the two courses below:

>> Higher attainment in GCSE computer science

Discover how to improve attainment in GCSE computer science with our new course. Look at how students should tackle exam questions and use key resources such as moderator reports, explore how retrieval and interleaving can be used and how to map progression from KS3 to KS4.

>> Python programming: advanced subject knowledge, implementation and testing

Develop your Python skills by exploring advanced programming techniques such as authentication, nested selection, data structures, sub-routines whilst applying them into the implementation and testing stages of the software life cycle.

Online courses

In addition to our remote course track, we recommend booking onto two online courses:

>> Design and prototype embedded computer systems (starting 19 April)

Take your project to the next level! Over the course of three weeks, explore how embedded systems are used in the world around us, learn practical activities to decompose problems, and write algorithms to develop your ideas in this exciting course. We can’t wait to see what you create!

>>Programming with GUIs (starting 19 April)

Get GUI-ing this spring: on this practical course, you will learn how to incorporate more interactivity into your programmes, experiment with different types of widgets, AND put everything you’ve learnt into practice using the guizero library!