Teaching GCSE computer science developing knowledge and understanding - face to face

CP241 Face to face course

During this CPD you'll explore effective teaching strategies to build student knowledge for long-term recall, leading to confidence in assessments.

Key stage 4 Teach secondary computing certificate

Face to face course 1 day

GCSE Computer Science comprises a rich, knowledge-based curriculum. This CPD equips participants with effective teaching strategies to build student knowledge for long-term recall, leading to confidence in assessments.

During the course you will explore those pedagogy approaches which are proven to be the most successful, applying them to the specific context and challenges of GCSE computer science. Guided by an experienced teaching practitioner, and alongside other teachers undertaking similar challenges, you’ll become better able to plan and deliver impactful lessons that effectively balance classroom and at-screen activities.

The course is based on firm evidence and experience, and will guide you to develop an understanding of what works best in the context of your own school.

Who is it for?

This course is for secondary teachers of GCSE computer science with solid subject knowledge. If you're looking to upskill your computer science subject knowledge, we recommend completing the Computer Science Accelerator programme.

Topics covered

01 | Effective classroom teaching of GCSE theory – during this session you’ll explore different teaching approaches that can be used to effectively build subject knowledge among students, such as metacognition, assessment for learning, questioning, modelling and knowledge organisers.

02 | Building deeper student understanding – during this session you’ll explore the importance of threshold concepts and their place in lesson planning. You’ll also explore the effective use of unplugged approaches in the classroom and the importance of helping students to build mental models.

03 | Effective action planning in the classroom – this session will introduce you to the importance of action planning, how to effectively implement CPD and evaluate its impact in the classroom.

How long is this course?

This is a one-day course which consists of five hours of teaching time.

This course is delivered as part of the National Centre for Computing Education and forms one part of a set of courses, you may also wish to consider:

How will you learn?

You’ll engage with active learning in groups including direct instruction, hands-o n activities and challenge-based learning, led by an experienced Professional Development Leader. The course will model teaching approaches that can be taken back to the classroom.

Outcomes

During this course, you will:

layer excellent pedagogy on top of your subject knowledge, helping you support improved student outcomes
explore various teaching strategies that can be used to deliver theory topics in the classroom
understand the importance of threshold concepts and how different teaching methods can deepen student understanding
learn how to implement the outcomes of CPD through the use of action planning, and how to effectively evaluate the outcomes in the classroom

This course is part of Teach secondary computing

Teach secondary computing

Our nationally recognised qualification will give you confidence to take your computing teaching to the next level and to apply those skills in the classroom.

Find out more

Dates coming soon

Contact your local Computing Hub for more information

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This course is from the National Centre for Computing Education and is delivered by STEM Learning.

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