All Computer Science Accelerator (CSA) courses are free to all state-funded schools and academies.  Some courses have subsidies attached. Please see individual courses for further details.

Foundation knowledge of computer science for KS3 and GCSE

A high-quality computer science education equips students to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world. Computer science forms the core of the computing national curriculum, a foundation subject and a vital aspect of a broad and balanced curriculum for all learners. If you’re new, moving towards or an existing teacher of Key Stage 3 / GCSE computer science, then this course will allow you to explore the foundation subject knowledge, required to teach computer science as part of the national curriculum. The sessions within this course are designed to give you the subject knowledge around key topics such as algorithms, data representation, hardware and programming, whilst also exploring useful and engaging strategies for delivering this content in the classroom.

Date and Time	Venue	Booking
Friday 20th September 9:30 - 15:45	Clayton Road	Link
Tuesday 7th January 9:30 - 15:45	Clayton Road	Link
Thursday 24th April 9:30 - 15:45	Clayton Road	Link

 

Python programming constructs: sequencing, selection and iteration

Take your first steps to becoming a competent teacher of Python programming; this CPD will develop your foundational knowledge around the Python language. Learn how to write code to input, process and output data, and how to manipulate data stored in variables. Using the building blocks of sequence, selection and iteration you’ll begin to understand how programs are constructed to perform a multitude of simple and more complex tasks.

Date and Time	Venue	Booking
Friday 27th September 9:30 - 15:45	Clayton Road	Link
Friday 17th January 9:30 - 15:45	Clayton Road	Link
Thursday 24th April 9:30 - 15:45	Clayton Road	Link

 

An introduction to algorithms, programming and data in GCSE computer science

Take your first steps towards teaching GCSE computer science and establish a foundational knowledge base of concepts, terminology and classroom practice. Find out how algorithms are designed and how programs are written to provide clear instructions to machines. Learn about the binary system and how it's used by computers to store and process data, plus how to convert to and from the familiar denary system of numbers zero to nine.

Date and Time	Venue	Booking
Friday 11th October 9:30 - 15:30	Clayton Road	Link
Tuesday 4th February 9:30 - 15:30	Clayton Road	Link
Friday 16th May 9:30 - 15:30	Clayton Road	Link

 

An introduction to computer systems, networking and security in GCSE computer science

Take your first steps towards teaching GCSE computer science and establish a foundational knowledge base of concepts, terminology and classroom practice. Find out how the components of computer systems interlink and how these can then be connected together to form a network. Learn about the different components of computer hardware, including devices not instantly recognisable as computers. The key components for input, processing, storage and output will be covered, and you’ll learn about the binary data that flows around and between computers.

Date and Time	Venue	Booking
Monday 21st October 9:30 - 15:45	Clayton Road	Link
Monday 10th February 9:30 - 15:45	Clayton Road	Link
Friday 23rd May 9:30 - 15:45	Clayton Road	Link

 

Teaching GCSE computer science developing knowledge and understanding

 

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.

Date and Time	Venue	Booking
Wednesday 6th November 9:30 - 15:45	Clayton Road	Link
Friday 21st February 9:30 - 15:45	Clayton Road	Link
Friday 6th June 9:30 - 15:45	Clayton Road	Link

 

Teaching GCSE computer science pedagogy for programming

It is crucial that teachers have knowledge of programming, and can write programs that solve the problems posed in GCSE CS. Building on this solid base, this CPD helps teachers to teach others how to become effective programmers. Making use of the latest evidence-based research and practice, participants will develop a toolkit of effective teaching and learning approaches suitable for all students helping them to build resilience self-regulation and independence in the classroom.

Date and Time	Venue	Booking
Friday 15th November 9:30 - 15:15	Clayton Road	Link
Monday 7th March 9:30 - 15:15	Clayton Road	Link
Friday 13th June 9:30 - 15:15	Clayton Road	Link

 

New subject leaders of secondary computing

 

Moving into curriculum leadership can feel like be a big step. Whether you are new to the role, or looking to progress in the future, this course will build confidence and clarity allowing you to succeed. Written by experienced department leaders, and based in the most recent evidence of 'what works', you'll come away with an informed set of goals and the tools to make it happen. Taking place across multiple sessions, you’ll get ongoing feedback as you progress and sustained support afterwards as you implement and monitor the impact of your professional learning.

Date and Time	Venue	Booking
Friday 29th November 9:30 - 16:00	Clayton Road	Link