This evidence-based CPD aims to raise knowledge amongst teachers of how to achieve the most out of your students, whilst preparing for their GCSE exams in computer science. Whether you’re already teaching computer science or completely new to the subject, this course is designed to support your understanding of how to increase student attainment at GCSE level.Within this course you’ll receive insights into accurate assessment to aid centre assessed grading, explore the key terminology used in exams and how this should be approached by students. Explore structured methods of teaching towards extended writing and programming exam questions, plus top tips from experienced teachers of how to pick up marks in exam papers.You’ll also discover the importance and research behind retrieval and interleaved learning. Throughout the session you’ll explore example strategies, with the opportunity to discuss how to use these with GCSE students, on the lead up to the 2021 centre assessed grades.During this course you’ll discover threshold concepts and how the ordering and timing of these concepts can significantly improve student understanding. You’ll explore how progression maps can be used to map the curriculum throughout KS3 and 4, whilst embedding threshold concepts to maximise progress.By the end of the course you’ll have the foundations of a variety of strategies that can be taken into the classroom, to support raising the attainment of students.

Who is it for?

This course is for current or prospective teachers of GCSE computer science with some understanding of the computing curriculum.

What topics are covered?

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 on the lead up to centre assessed grades this summer.
02 | Student performance - During this session you’ll look closer at the research into the performance of students studying GCSE computer science.
03 | 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.
04 | Retrieval practice – During this session you’ll learn about retrieval practice and how it can be applied within the classroom, including on the run up to the summer assessments.
05 | 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 further plus interleaving of teaching to better prepare students for examinations.
06 | 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?

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

How long is the course?

This course is approximately five hours in duration, split across several days.

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