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Programmer's Paradise

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(based on 24 reviews)

Computer Science resources for KS3-4, with a focus on programming. Programming resources include Scratch, Microbit, Small Basic and Visual Basic for now, with other languages potentially in the future, such as C#. I have worked with the AQA specification throughout my teaching career and so these resources will be suitable for anyone teaching the new AQA spec. Please review any resources, suggestions are welcome for improvements etc.

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Computer Science resources for KS3-4, with a focus on programming. Programming resources include Scratch, Microbit, Small Basic and Visual Basic for now, with other languages potentially in the future, such as C#. I have worked with the AQA specification throughout my teaching career and so these resources will be suitable for anyone teaching the new AQA spec. Please review any resources, suggestions are welcome for improvements etc.
GCSE Hangman Coding Project
MrHawes8MrHawes8

GCSE Hangman Coding Project

(0)
Included is a booklet containing a series of tasks (16 in total) with hints for some of the trickier tasks. There are also code snippets which can be used alongside the tasks or as an extra aid for students who are struggling. Also included is a checklist which can be displayed during the project, so that students can update their progress through the tasks. I have used this with a year 10 class who found it enjoyable as well as getting good programming practice. The program makes use of variables, selection, definite and indefinite iteration, arrays, boolean variables and a linear search.
GCSE Battleships programming project
MrHawes8MrHawes8

GCSE Battleships programming project

(0)
This is a programming project that I have used over 3 lessons with my mixed ability Year 10 class. Included is a PowerPoint with the main programming challenges, and the full code for demonstrating the game before the students make it (Visual Basic). Each challenge should be discussed before the students choose either the code (easier) or pseudocode (harder) images to help them with the programming. Images have been used to avoid copy and pasting. The pseudocode will need to be translated into code and the code images contain key words blanked out to avoid pure copying.
GCSE Programming Four in a row 2D arrays project
MrHawes8MrHawes8

GCSE Programming Four in a row 2D arrays project

(0)
Included is a programming project to recreate a well known game that I have used with a mixed ability Year 10 class. The project took 3-4 lessons and includes the powerpoint highlighting the main challenges in creating the game, the full code (Visual Basic), pseudocode for the whole program and images of code/pseudocode for each challenge that the programmers face. Images were used for this to prevent students copy and pasting the code. To differentiate, after talking through solving each challenge as a class, the students were able to load up the image of either the code or pseudocode, and type the code required into their program. The pseudocode is more challenging as it needs translating into code, and the code has key words missing so it is not just about copying the code into their program. I have also included teaching notes on how to discuss the different challenges, and a help sheet on 2-dimensional arrays.
Exam style pseudocode questions (AQA)
MrHawes8MrHawes8

Exam style pseudocode questions (AQA)

(0)
These questions are used to help students practice longer pseudocode questions that they will encounter in GCSE exams. The pseudocode style is based on AQA, and each question comes with a mark scheme showing where marks are scored. Again, this is based around AQA’s mark schemes (i.e. awarding marks for including selection, for example). This set contains 8 pseudocode questions and mark schemes for each. In separate uploads I have the powerpoint used in lessons to help deliver specific lessons which build up towards answering the longer pseudocode questions in this set. The order I used them (with the intent of increasing difficulty as we went along): 1 - Phone Bill Calculator 2 - Note Changer 3 - Swimming Pool 4 - Guessing Game 5 - Substring 6 - Sports Day 7 - Linear Search Array 8 - Inverting Image (2D array)
Exam Style Python Programming Questions (GCSE AQA)
MrHawes8MrHawes8

Exam Style Python Programming Questions (GCSE AQA)

(0)
These questions are used to help students practice longer Python coding questions that they will encounter in GCSE exams. The pseudocode style where included is based on AQA, and each question comes with a mark scheme showing where marks are scored. Again, this is based around AQA’s mark schemes (i.e. awarding marks for including selection, for example). This set contains 8 programming questions and mark schemes for each. In separate uploads I have the powerpoint used in lessons to help deliver specific lessons which build up towards answering the longer programming questions in this set. The order I used them (with the intent of increasing difficulty as we went along): 1 - Phone Bill Calculator 2 - Note Changer 3 - Swimming Pool 4 - Guessing Game 5 - Substrings and functions 6 - Sports Day (function) 7 - Linear Search Array 8 - Inverting Image (2D array)
Exam Style VB.NET Programming Questions (GCSE AQA)
MrHawes8MrHawes8

Exam Style VB.NET Programming Questions (GCSE AQA)

(0)
These questions are used to help students practice longer VB.NET coding questions that they will encounter in GCSE exams. The pseudocode style where included is based on AQA, and each question comes with a mark scheme showing where marks are scored. Again, this is based around AQA’s mark schemes (i.e. awarding marks for including selection, for example). This set contains 8 programming questions and mark schemes for each. In separate uploads I have the powerpoint used in lessons to help deliver specific lessons which build up towards answering the longer programming questions in this set. The order I used them (with the intent of increasing difficulty as we went along): 1 - Phone Bill Calculator 2 - Note Changer 3 - Swimming Pool 4 - Guessing Game 5 - Substrings and functions 6 - Sports Day (function) 7 - Linear Search Array 8 - Inverting Image (2D array)
Exam Style VB.NET Questions (AQA GCSE)
MrHawes8MrHawes8

Exam Style VB.NET Questions (AQA GCSE)

(0)
These questions are used to help students practice longer coding questions that they will encounter in GCSE exams. Where pseudocode is used, the style is based on AQA, and each question comes with a mark scheme showing where marks are scored. This set contains 8 pseudocode questions and mark schemes for each. In separate uploads I have the powerpoint used in lessons to help deliver specific lessons which build up towards answering the longer pseudocode questions in this set. The order I used them (with the intent of increasing difficulty as we went along): 1 - Phone Bill Calculator 2 - Note Changer 3 - Swimming Pool 4 - Guessing Game 5 - Substring and Functions 6 - Sports Day Function 7 - Linear Search Array 8 - Inverting Image (2D array)
Small Basic Programming lesson bundle
MrHawes8MrHawes8

Small Basic Programming lesson bundle

3 Resources
Three separate lessons, covering variables, selection and iteration in Small Basic. Included are PowerPoints, programming tasks with full code, and links to bespoke Kahoot quizzes as well. Presentations include theory as well as code challenges. Help sheets and code snippets are also included to help students who might struggle with the programming tasks. 20% saving on price of all three lessons separately.
KS2 / KS3 Scratch intermediate bundle
MrHawes8MrHawes8

KS2 / KS3 Scratch intermediate bundle

7 Resources
This unit is designed to be used after the initial Scratch unit, and contains lessons on flowcharts, sequencing, selection, iteration, variables and subroutines. The games that will be made through this unit include: A chatbot A scrolling maze Falling Fruit game Breakout Rock, paper, scissors Following the flowcharts lesson, the students will complete the other lessons to create the above programs, and then finish with an assessment. The assessment says Y6 at the top as this was the year group I have used it with, but that is because my Y5s completed the introductory unit and so moved onto this in Y6. However, this could be used for KS2 or KS3, depending on programming and Scratch experience.
KS2 / KS3 Scratch Introduction Bundle
MrHawes8MrHawes8

KS2 / KS3 Scratch Introduction Bundle

6 Resources
The resources in this bundle should cover 7 lessons, and result in students creating 4 different programs. The associated content covers algorithms, sequencing, selection and iteration, and the assessment at the end also includes debugging and showing an understanding of code.
AQA Pseudocode Series of Lessons
MrHawes8MrHawes8

AQA Pseudocode Series of Lessons

8 Resources
This bundle contains 8 exam-style pseudocode questions and mark schemes linked to AQA’s pseudocode guide. Each question is an example of the type of longer written pseudocode questions found in GCSE exams, and also contains a Powerpoint which helps to build up towards answering the longer question towards the end of the lesson. The Powerpoint contains information about the pseudocode related to the question, and some contain theory as well (e.g. arrays or string handling)
AQA GCSE Python Series of lessons - exam style questions, mark schemes and powerpoints
MrHawes8MrHawes8

AQA GCSE Python Series of lessons - exam style questions, mark schemes and powerpoints

8 Resources
This is a series of eight Python programming lessons/revision (based on AQA specification) that have helped my GCSE classes improve their long answer programming question technique. The lessons built up towards working with 2D arrays and functions in time for the exams. Included is the exam-style question, mark scheme and the powerpoint used to help deliver a lesson building up towards answering the longer code question. The powerpoint includes information about the specific code features as well as some warm up code questions. Some of the powerpoints include theory as well, for example arrays or string handling if necessary to answer the longer code question. The programming content for each lesson is as follows: Input/Output Selection Multiple Selection statements Indefinite Iteration Substrings and functions Functions Arrays 2D Arrays
AQA GCSE VB.NET Series of lessons - exam style questions, mark schemes and powerpoints
MrHawes8MrHawes8

AQA GCSE VB.NET Series of lessons - exam style questions, mark schemes and powerpoints

8 Resources
This is a series of eight VB.NET programming lessons/revision (based on AQA specification) that have helped my GCSE classes improve their long answer programming question technique. The lessons built up towards working with 2D arrays and functions in time for the exams. Included is the exam-style question, mark scheme and the powerpoint used to help deliver a lesson building up towards answering the longer code question. The powerpoint includes information about the specific code features as well as some warm up code questions. Some of the powerpoints include theory as well, for example arrays or string handling if necessary to answer the longer code question. The programming content for each lesson is as follows: Input/Output Selection Multiple Selection statements Indefinite Iteration Substrings and functions Functions Arrays 2D Arrays
Microbit Unit of Work
MrHawes8MrHawes8

Microbit Unit of Work

(1)
This Unit of Work includes 10 lessons worth of Microbit programming skills and knowledge. Each lesson has a PowerPoint presentation to go with it, with all other resources also included as Word documents. All resources including PowerPoints are numbered to make it easier to follow the unit, and there is also a teacher’s guide included. The Unit begins with an introduction to Microbits, and concludes with revision, end of unit test and DIRT reflection lesson. Topics included are Variables, Selection, Iteration, and various programming challenges in the form of games that the students can create. It also includes the Microbit Board Game project that takes 2 lessons, which is also available from the Programmer’s Paradise shop on TES Resources. A homework is also included, where the students can create a program using printed code blocks, cut and stick them onto the other half of the paper. This can be used after the first couple of lessons, or later if they are less familiar with the concepts.
How a Computer Works KS3 Unit of Work
MrHawes8MrHawes8

How a Computer Works KS3 Unit of Work

11 Resources
This 10-lesson unit consists of the following lessons: Computer Systems Hardware Components Input and Output devices CPU Software Operating Systems Logic Gates Storage x2 Revision
KS2 / KS3 Scratch Expert Bundle
MrHawes8MrHawes8

KS2 / KS3 Scratch Expert Bundle

5 Resources
This bundle is the third in a series of Scratch units, intended for KS3 or possibly high ability KS2 students. The first two lessons include looking at flowcharts and creating an algorithm using a flowchart, which then feeds into creating the game in Scratch. The third lesson involves creating a slug trail maze, which draws on what they might have done previously in creating mazes and drawing with the pen tool. The fourth lesson is more in depth with a look at variables and iteration, creating an endless scrolling flying game. The fifth lesson involves debugging and coding a Space Invaders-style game using starter code. This task includes subroutines and is the hardest of the unit. The unit ends with a project (3+ lessons) where the students create their own game based on some loose instructions. They then write about how they have made their game using a template in Powerpoint.
KOAS v2.01 Teacher Planner, Seating Plans and Timetable/Calendar
MrHawes8MrHawes8

KOAS v2.01 Teacher Planner, Seating Plans and Timetable/Calendar

(0)
The KOAS is a way of organising the life of a busy teacher - it was originally built to create seating plans, but now also includes sections for tracking student data, a markbook, homework submissions, lesson logs and a timetable and calendar page as well as individual sheets for each class you teach. v2.01 is massively improved over the original - this can be re-used year on year and the calendar feature is designed so that it can be customised to any academic year. Watch the videos to see how it works and how it has made me more organised and efficient when planning and teaching.
KS2 / KS3 Scratch superunit - introduction and follow-up unit
MrHawes8MrHawes8

KS2 / KS3 Scratch superunit - introduction and follow-up unit

13 Resources
This bundle contains two units of work for Scratch, including at least 14 lessons in total (some may take longer, depending on programming speed). It can be broken down into two units, or potentially completed in one go. I have completed these with the same students over two years - the introductory unit in Y5 and then the second unit in Y6. However, this could be used with older children with little Scratch experience. The lessons conatined are as follows: Unit 1 Introduction to Scratch - algorithms Joke - sequencing Disco - sequencing / iteration Etch-a-sketch - controlling sprites Maze - Selection / iteration Assessment Unit 2 Flowcharts - algorithms Chatbot - sequencing / selection Scrolling maze - variables Falling fruit - indefinite iteration / variables Breakout - Variables / subroutines Rock, Paper, Scissors - Definite iteration / subroutines Assessment
Scratch UltraBundle - 3 Units
MrHawes8MrHawes8

Scratch UltraBundle - 3 Units

18 Resources
This bundle includes the Scratch beginner’s bundle, intermediate bundle and expert bundle all in one. I have used this for Years 5-7, using one unit each year as they move up the school. This could be used for other year groups as they encounter and improve with Scratch. Each unit should take 6-8 lessons, which is why I have spread them out over three year groups. In total there are 18 different resources bundled together here.