Hero image

Nichola Wilkin - Computer Science

Average Rating4.65
(based on 1171 reviews)

High-impact computer science resources that are based on sound educational psychological theories to help all pupils reach their full potential. I’m an experienced teacher/HoD and professionally create computing and computer science teaching resources through my company Nichola Wilkin Ltd. All these resources have been exclusively created by me. I’m an author who has written for both BBC Bitesize and Cambridge University Press. Quality teaching resources you can trust!

223Uploads

887k+Views

1925k+Downloads

High-impact computer science resources that are based on sound educational psychological theories to help all pupils reach their full potential. I’m an experienced teacher/HoD and professionally create computing and computer science teaching resources through my company Nichola Wilkin Ltd. All these resources have been exclusively created by me. I’m an author who has written for both BBC Bitesize and Cambridge University Press. Quality teaching resources you can trust!
Rubber Duck Debugging Lesson
nwilkinnwilkin

Rubber Duck Debugging Lesson

(12)
How can a rubber duck help you be a better programmer? How can they possibly have a place in our classrooms? What is rubber duck debugging? When I first heard about this strange phenomenon, I was a little sceptical. Is this just another gimmick? Is there a surplus of rubber ducks that need repurposing? No, apparently this is a recognised programming technique that really works. What do you do? You need enough rubber ducks so that each pupil has their own duck. Amazon sell bags of rubber ducks for a reasonable price. Run through the presentation with them, give them the 3 Python programs to practice with and watch as your programming classes learn how to solve many of their programming problems without having to rely on you! If you are having trouble finding non-squeaky ducks you can either print out an image of the duck to be blue-tacked to the corner of their screen for everyone, or try the squeaky ducks but tell them, if there is an excessive amount of squeaking they will have their duck taken away and given a "flat duck"instead.
Python Glossary
nwilkinnwilkin

Python Glossary

(5)
In an attempt to make pupils slightly more self-sufficient, here is a 10 page PDF glossary of some key Python terms with a brief explanation of each. Ideal to have a few printed out and ready to give to pupils who need them. Can be used as part of the programming project resource bank.
Binary Activity Bundle
nwilkinnwilkin

Binary Activity Bundle

4 Resources
Fun and ready to use activities to reinforce binary to denary conversation. Binary Calculator - Great practical starter to introduce binary to denary conversion Binary worksheet and homework pack - ready to use handouts to practice the skills learnt Binary Game - a spreadsheet activity suitable for testing their understanding (self-marking) Binary Quiz - PowerPoint based quiz to test their ability to convert binary to denary and denary to binary. Logic gates and truth tables worksheet pack - ready to use handouts to practice logic gates and truth tables
Fun End of Term Summer Quiz 2017 (GCSE Computer Science and KS3 Computing)
nwilkinnwilkin

Fun End of Term Summer Quiz 2017 (GCSE Computer Science and KS3 Computing)

(6)
NEW COMPUTER SCIENCE QUIZ FOR THE END OF YEAR / SUMMER TERM 2017! A fun whole class quiz, ideally suited to keep pupils engaged and settled for the final lesson of the summer term. Suitable for year 7 to year 11. The quiz includes computer science elements as well as other fun summer related questions getting them into the summer holiday spirit. Guaranteed to make the final lesson fun before they break up for summer. Print out the answer sheets (enough for 1 per team) and then run through the quiz on the whiteboard. After each section the answers are provided allowing the quiz to easily be cut shorter if you wish. Suitable for GCSE Computer Science classes and KS3 Computing and ICT classes.
Ethical Environmental and Legal Issues Lessons
nwilkinnwilkin

Ethical Environmental and Legal Issues Lessons

(1)
A top quality, highly interactive, ready to use set of lesson resources allows teacher to easily cover this truly fascinating and thought provoking topic of “ethical, environmental and legal issues with technology”. Traditionally, this area was thought of as dry, difficult to teach and dull by many teachers but with this set of resources, that is now a thing of the past. These lessons provoke interesting group discussions where your classes will really engage with the subject matter and look at the issues from different perspectives. The fun activities reinforce the learning and homework tasks allow students to consolidate what they have learnt in the lesson and take their thoughts further into this ever-evolving area. Suitable for GCSE Computer Science classes and KS3 Computing and ICT classes. This set of resource includes: • 6 attractive PowerPoint presentations which lead the class through each of the lessons • Fun and thought provoking activities and discussion starters, worksheets and questions to reinforce the learning • 6 differentiated homework tasks • A mark sheet which allows pupils to track their own progress • An end of unit test to prepare the students for exams or can be used as a form of assessment • A complete teacher’s guide including easy to follow lesson plans • An answer booklet to help the teacher along The lessons are: Lesson 1 – Looking into ethical and moral dilemmas such as driverless cars and the impact of technology on modern life Lesson 2 – More ethical dilemmas including the ratings culture, medical apps, sharing personal data and cyber bullying Lesson 3 – Environmental issues with technology and how organisations and individuals can reduce these effects Lesson 4 – The Computer Misuse Act 1990 Lesson 5 – The Data Protection Act 1998 Lesson 6 – Copyright Designs and Patents Act 1988 FREE BONUS PRODUCT INCLUDED As a special thank you for purchasing this product I am pleased to be able to also include a surprise FREE bonus gift. This gift is one of our complete resources which we will usually charge full price for but is yours absolutely free when you purchase this product. Just our little way of saying thank you to our valued customers. I hope you enjoy it and get use out of it, with my compliments.
Computer Science Worksheets and Activites
nwilkinnwilkin

Computer Science Worksheets and Activites

5 Resources
Ready-to-use worksheets and activties you can immediately use in your classroom to help you teach the following topics: Inside a computer Binary, denary and Hex conversion Logic Gates and Truth Tables Suitable for GCSE Computer Science classes and KS3 Computing classes. All packs include an answer booklet making your life even easier. Saves you hours of work.
Logic Gates and Truth Tables Worksheet Pack
nwilkinnwilkin

Logic Gates and Truth Tables Worksheet Pack

(2)
Do you want some ready to use worksheets that will help reinforce your logic gates and truth table lessons? Here you go… 12 ready to use PDF worksheets that you can use straight away. You don’t need to spend hours drawing your own logic circuits for worksheets, it’s all done for you – and you also get all the answers. These logic circuits use the correct exam board specified logic gate symbols and will help your pupils become familiar with the logic gates and notation they will need to learn for their exams. There is a variety of different styles of activities to keep your pupils engaged while embedding key skills. Grab your copy today and you can use them immediately with no additional preparation. WHAT IS INCLUDED? 12 PDF worksheets and a comprehensive teacher’s guide that includes all the answers to make your life easier. They can be used in sequence or you can mix and match them as you need them. These worksheets use AND, OR, NOT, NAND, NOR and XOR logic gates and notation (see preview images for examples of the exact notation that it used). Pupils will learn how to fill in truth tables, identify logic gates, draw logic circuits and solve logic circuits (entering 1 or 0 depending on the logic gate). The teacher’s guide describes how each worksheet can be used, the skills it helps pupils develop as well as giving you all the answers. HOW CAN I USE THEM? These attractive logic gate and truth table worksheets can be used in the classroom, for summative assessment, for homework tasks or as a revision aid when revisiting the topic. They are ideal for GCSE computer science pupils. You can print the worksheets out and ask the pupils to fill them in by hand, however 7 of the worksheets are also interactive and can be filled in on-screen saving on printing costs. The only ones that are not interactive are ones that require pupils to draw their own logic circuits and so printing them and filling in by hand is the easier option. The worksheets that are included are listed below: 01 Basic Logic Gates – Print or interactive 02 Simple Logic Circuits – Print or interactive 03 Logic Circuits – Print or interactive 04 Drawing Simple Logic Circuits – Print only 05 More Logic Gates – Print or interactive 06 More Logic Circuits – Print or interactive 07 Complex Logic Circuits – Print or interactive 08 Drawing More Logic Circuits – Print only 09 Basic Logic Gates With Notation – Print only 10 More Logic Gates With Notation – Print only 11 Solving Logic Circuits – Print or interactive 12 Creating A Logic Circuit From Notation – Print only . What are you waiting for? Grab these worksheets now and save yourself hours of preparation.
Binary Worksheets
nwilkinnwilkin

Binary Worksheets

(1)
Here are 11 worksheets available for immediate use, requiring no preparation. They cover binary, denary, hexadecimal and binary addition, making them a valuable addition to your teaching resources. Each worksheet includes a separate answer sheet. These worksheets can be printed or completed on-screen as PDF files with editable sections for students to enter their answers. The worksheets serve multiple purposes, including grab-and-go activities, homework tasks and cover worksheets. They are suitable for computer science teachers, non-specialists and new teachers. The 11 included PDF worksheets are as follows: Binary practise: This worksheet features 16 binary numbers to convert into decimal values. It includes placement value headings to aid students in learning binary to decimal conversion. Binary to decimal: This worksheet presents 5 challenges similar to the previous one, along with an additional 5 problems without bit placement headings. It also includes an extension activity that encourages students to contemplate the use of robots in different scenarios, making it an ideal homework task. More binary practice: This worksheet provides 16 additional binary numbers to convert into decimal, omitting the bit value headings. Binary square: This activity serves as a recap or starter exercise, where students input 0 or 1 in squares to form decimal values in rows or columns. Decimal to Binary PRINT ONLY: This worksheet requires students to convert 3 decimal numbers into their binary equivalents. It can only be completed offline, as students use blank spaces to record their workings. Binary to decimal to hexadecimal: This engaging worksheet prompts students to convert from binary to decimal and vice versa. It concludes with an exercise where students use a website to convert binary and decimal numbers to hexadecimal. It is suitable as homework before introducing hexadecimal in the next lesson. Binary to hex: An introductory activity where students complete a conversion table to convert 4-bit binary numbers to hex. They then apply this table to convert longer binary numbers into hex. Hex words: A fun activity where students convert binary numbers into hex to spell out short words. Binary to hex and addition: This versatile worksheet serves as an ideal homework task, allowing students to recap converting binary and decimal to hex, as well as binary addition. Adding with binary: This worksheet provides 6 problems for students to add 2 binary numbers, along with 2 extension challenges involving the addition of 3 binary numbers. It is well-suited for in-class activities. Answer sheets are included for each worksheet, enabling self-marking or teacher reference. These 11 worksheets will quickly become essential resources in your teaching toolkit. If you’re looking for more worksheets, you can find them by clicking here. Purchase now to enhance your lessons instantly and save valuable preparation time.
Ethical Environmental and Legal Issues Test
nwilkinnwilkin

Ethical Environmental and Legal Issues Test

(1)
This is a written test about the legal, ethical and environmental issues in computing. It includes questions about Data Protection Act, Computer Misuse Act, Copyright, environmental issues and moral issues of technology. Useful revision tool to help GCSE pupils recognise gaps in their knowledge. Suitable for GCSE Computer Science classes and KS3 Computing classes. This test takes most students 25 - 40 mins to complete. FREE BONUS PRODUCT INCLUDED As a special thank you for purchasing this product I am pleased to be able to also include a surprise FREE bonus gift. This gift is one of our complete resources which we will usually charge full price for but is yours absolutely free when you purchase this product. Just our little way of saying thank you to our valued customers. I hope you enjoy it and get use out of it, with my compliments.
Networks Test
nwilkinnwilkin

Networks Test

(0)
This is a written test about computer networks. It includes questions about LANs, the internet and the world wide web, network hardware, network topologies, data packets, MAC and IP addresses, network security and cloud storage. Useful revision tool to help GCSE pupils recognise gaps in their knowledge. Suitable for GCSE Computer Science classes and KS3 Computing classes. This test takes most students 25 - 40 mins to complete. FREE BONUS PRODUCT INCLUDED As a special thank you for purchasing this product I am pleased to be able to also include a surprise FREE bonus gift. This gift is one of our complete resources which we will usually charge full price for but is yours absolutely free when you purchase this product. Just our little way of saying thank you to our valued customers. I hope you enjoy it and get use out of it, with my compliments.
Inside a Computer Test
nwilkinnwilkin

Inside a Computer Test

(0)
This is a written test about the inside workings of a computer. It includes questions about the CPU, computer speed, multi-core processors, virtual memory, solid state and magnetic storage, ROM, RAM, user requirements and Moor’s law. Useful revision tool to help GCSE pupils recognise gaps in their knowledge. Suitable for GCSE Computer Science classes and KS3 Computing and ICT classes. This test takes most students 25 - 40 mins to complete. FREE BONUS PRODUCT INCLUDED As a special thank you for purchasing this product I am pleased to be able to also include a surprise FREE bonus gift. This gift is one of our complete resources which we will usually charge full price for but is yours absolutely free when you purchase this product. Just our little way of saying thank you to our valued customers. I hope you enjoy it and get use out of it, with my compliments.
Data Representation Test
nwilkinnwilkin

Data Representation Test

(0)
This is a written test about how data is represented in a computer system. It includes questions on binary, denary, hexadecimal, binary addition, logic gates, truth tables, ASCII, bitmaps and vector images and machine code. Suitable for GCSE Computer Science classes and KS3 Computing classes. A useful revision tool to help GCSE pupils recognise gaps in their knowledge. The test takes most students around 25 - 30 mins to complete. FREE BONUS PRODUCT INCLUDED As a special thank you for purchasing this product I am pleased to be able to also include a surprise FREE bonus gift. This gift is one of our complete resources which we will usually charge full price for but is yours absolutely free when you purchase this product. Just our little way of saying thank you to our valued customers. I hope you enjoy it and get use out of it, with my compliments.
Excel Test
nwilkinnwilkin

Excel Test

(1)
This end of unit test can be used to assess the pupils understanding of Excel basic features and includes written and practical elements to the test. It asks questions on basic mathematical operators (+, -, * and /), the order of calculation (BODMAS), basic functions (SUM, AVERAGE, MIN and MAX), relative and absolute cell references, basics formatting, creating graphs along with sorting and filtering data. Suitable for GCSE ICT classes and KS3 Computing and ICT classes. Please note: The test and answer documents are provided in PDF format so are not editable. FREE BONUS PRODUCT INCLUDED As a special thank you for purchasing this product I am pleased to be able to also include a surprise FREE bonus gift. This gift is one of our complete resources which we will usually charge full price for but is yours absolutely free when you purchase this product. Just our little way of saying thank you to our valued customers. I hope you enjoy it and get use out of it, with my compliments.
Scratch Test
nwilkinnwilkin

Scratch Test

(0)
This end of unit test can be used to assess the pupils’ understanding of Scratch advanced features. This resource includes the test (part written test and part practical test) and the answers to assist with marking. This test takes most students 40 - 60 mins to complete. FREE BONUS PRODUCT INCLUDED As a special thank you for purchasing this product I am pleased to be able to also include a surprise FREE bonus gift. This gift is one of my complete resources for which I usually charge full price but is yours absolutely free when you purchase this product. Just my little way of saying thank you to my valued customers. I hope you enjoy it and get use out of it, with my compliments.
Scratch BasicsTest
nwilkinnwilkin

Scratch BasicsTest

(0)
This end of unit test is part of the Scratch Introduction unit and can be used to assess the pupils’ understanding of Scratch basics. This resource includes the test (part written test and part practical element) and the answers to assist with marking. This test takes most students 40 - 60 mins to complete. FREE BONUS PRODUCT INCLUDED As a special thank you for purchasing this product I am pleased to be able to also include a surprise FREE bonus gift. This gift is one of my complete resources for which I usually charge full price but is yours absolutely free when you purchase this product. Just my little way of saying thank you to my valued customers. I hope you enjoy it and get use out of it, with my compliments.
Scratch Introduction Lesson Unit
nwilkinnwilkin

Scratch Introduction Lesson Unit

(0)
In this high-quality 6-lesson complete scheme of work, pupils will be introduced to the programming language “Scratch 2”. Moving sprites using the mouse and keyboard as well as moving automatically around the screen Repeat and forever loops If statements and If…else statements Use sensing tools so sprites can interact with each other Use questions and answers in programs Create and use variables to store and manipulate values during the running of programs Create their own sprites and backgrounds Use costumes Apply broadcast messages This unit is ideal if the pupils have never used Scratch before or have had only very limited experience. Suitable for KS3 Computing and ICT classes. FREE BONUS PRODUCT INCLUDED As a special thank you for purchasing this product I am pleased to be able to also include a surprise FREE bonus gift. This gift is one of my complete resources for which I usually charge full price but is yours absolutely free when you purchase this product. Just my little way of saying thank you to my valued customers. I hope you enjoy it and get use out of it, with my compliments.
Binary Activity
nwilkinnwilkin

Binary Activity

(7)
A self-marking spreadsheet, you can install onto your computer network that the pupils copy into their own work area and work through. The stages get progressively harder and asks them to convert from binary to denary and from denary to binary. For some of the harder levels you may need to provide a piece of paper and a pen to help them work out the answers. Can even be used as a form of assessment as their work can be saved. Great to use either in the classroom or set it as a homework task. Suitable for GCSE Computer Science classes and KS3 Computing classes.
COMPUTING Year 7 Baseline Assessment (On-line version)
nwilkinnwilkin

COMPUTING Year 7 Baseline Assessment (On-line version)

(11)
This test is to be given to year 7 pupils to test their current knowledge of key computing areas. This will help you understand their current strengths and weaknesses at the beginning of year 7 and includes a useful spreadsheet which not only highlights pupils understanding but also groups it by class and even primary school to help you inform your feeder schools which areas they need to work on and may need additional help with and which areas they have covered well. The key skills covered in this test are: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, saving files, programming, using the internet, e-safety and computer theory. Due to popular demand, I have interpreted the marks awarded to the old-style level descriptors (i.e. if they score 30 on the test or 45%, this would be equivalent to a 4C). Hope this helps. 2A - 5 marks (7%) 3C - 10 marks (15%) 3B - 12 marks (18%) 3A - 20 marks (30%) 4C - 28 marks (42%) 4B - 36 marks (54%) 4A - 42 marks (63%) 5C - 48 marks (72%) 5B - 54 marks (81%) 5A - 60 marks (90%) 6C - 64 marks (96%) PLEASE NOTE: This test is an on-line document which the pupils fill in using Word, which can be either printed or sent to you electronically for marking but if you would prefer the pupils use a traditional paper-based test then please see our other set of resources from https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/computing-year-7-baseline-assessment-paper-based-test-11355751
COMPUTING Year 7 Baseline Assessment (paper based test)
nwilkinnwilkin

COMPUTING Year 7 Baseline Assessment (paper based test)

(45)
This test is to be given to year 7 pupils to test their current knowledge of key computing areas. This will help you understand their current strengths and weaknesses at the beginning of year 7 and includes a useful spreadsheet which not only highlights pupils understanding but also groups it by class and even primary school to help you inform your feeder schools which areas they need to work on and may need additional help with and which areas they have covered well. The key skills covered in this test are: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, saving files, programming, using the internet, e-safety and computer theory. Due to popular demand, I have interpreted the marks awarded to the old-style level descriptors (i.e. if they score 30 on the test or 45%, this would be equivalent to a 4C). Hope this helps. 2A - 5 marks (7%) 3C - 10 marks (15%) 3B - 12 marks (18%) 3A - 20 marks (30%) 4C - 28 marks (42%) 4B - 36 marks (54%) 4A - 42 marks (63%) 5C - 48 marks (72%) 5B - 54 marks (81%) 5A - 60 marks (90%) 6C - 64 marks (96%) PLEASE NOTE: This test is a paper-based test, if you would prefer the pupils to fill in an on-line document which can be either printed or sent to you electronically then please see our other set of resources from https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/computing-year-7-baseline-assessment-on-line-version-11355832