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!
Systems Architecture OCR GCSE Computer Science Workbook (J277)
nwilkinnwilkin

Systems Architecture OCR GCSE Computer Science Workbook (J277)

(0)
This systems architecture workbook is perfect for students studying for the OCR GCSE (9-1) in Computer Science and has been updated to completely cover the new specification J277. It can be used in the classroom as a teaching aid, for self-study or as a revision tool. In this resource you will receive an interactive PDF workbook so your students can either print it out and complete the activities by hand or fill it in electronically, making this an ideal workbook for use in school or for students studying at home. The answer booklet is provided as a separate PDF file so you can assign your students the workbook without including the answers. This 24 page workbook completely covers the new specification J277 1.1 systems architecture theory. Table of Contents: Systems Architecture Hardware Software The purpose of the CPU Von Neumann Architecture Memory Address Register (MAR) Memory Data Register (MDR) Program Counter (PC) Accumulator (AC) Common CPU Components Arithmetic / Logic unit (ALU) Control unit (CU) Cache Busses The Fetch-Execute cycle How common characteristics of CPUs affect their performance Clock speed Cache size Number of cores Purpose of embedded systems Examples of embedded systems . You may also be interested in these workbooks which have also been written to cover the J277 specification: Memory and Storage Computer networks, connections and protocols Network Security Systems Software Ethical, Legal, Cultural and Environmental Impacts Algorithms Programming Fundamentals Producing Robust Programs Boolean Logic Programming Languages and IDEs
School Data Protection Policy
nwilkinnwilkin

School Data Protection Policy

(0)
At the start of every term I get many emails and phone calls from teachers who have recently taken over as the head of Computer Science and are unsure where to start. Some of them are walking into a well-ordered department where everything is laid out and ready-to-go, others are not so lucky. Often, they are the only person in that department and so don’t have anywhere to turn to ask for help. And then the headteacher casually strolls into your room when you have barely been for a day and asks you for your ICT policy document by the end of the week. Gulp! Not to worry, I have this one ready to go and better still it is completely free! With a brief read through, only some minor tweaking to make it fit your school and copying them into your schools template it should satisfy your headteacher and give you a bit of valuable breathing space while you try to get your head around the one hundred and one other things you need to do. School Data Protection Policy A School Data Protection policy isn’t really your responsibility as head of computer science and is something somebody who has received adequate training should be looking after. The name of the allocated data protection officer (DPO) and their contact details should be inserted into section 5.2 (Data protection officer) and is usually somebody in the admin team.
Acceptable Use of ICT Policy (Staff)
nwilkinnwilkin

Acceptable Use of ICT Policy (Staff)

(0)
At the start of every term I get many emails and phone calls from teachers who have recently taken over as the head of Computer Science and are unsure where to start. Some of them are walking into a well-ordered department where everything is laid out and ready-to-go, others are not so lucky. Often, they are the only person in that department and so don’t have anywhere to turn to ask for help. And then the headteacher casually strolls into your room when you have barely been for a day and asks you for your ICT policy document by the end of the week. Gulp! Not to worry, I have this one ready to go and better still it is completely free! With a brief read through, only some minor tweaking to make it fit your school and copying them into your schools template it should satisfy your headteacher and give you a bit of valuable breathing space while you try to get your head around the one hundred and one other things you need to do. Acceptable Use Of ICT Policy For Staff The acceptable use of ICT policy is for staff and is a little more detailed than my policy for pupils. This can also be coped into your school template and requires staff to sign the last page.
Acceptable Use Of ICT Policy (Pupil)
nwilkinnwilkin

Acceptable Use Of ICT Policy (Pupil)

(0)
At the start of every term I get many emails and phone calls from teachers who have recently taken over as the head of Computer Science and are unsure where to start. Some of them are walking into a well-ordered department where everything is laid out and ready-to-go, others are not so lucky. Often, they are the only person in that department and so don’t have anywhere to turn to ask for help. And then the headteacher casually strolls into your room when you have barely been for a day and asks you for your ICT policy document by the end of the week. Gulp! Not to worry, I have this one ready to go and better still it is completely free! With a brief read through, only some minor tweaking to make it fit your school and copying them into your schools template it should satisfy your headteacher and give you a bit of valuable breathing space while you try to get your head around the one hundred and one other things you need to do. Acceptable Use Of ICT Policy For Pupils The acceptable use of ICT policy is for pupils and includes an acceptance form, they need to sign and hand back to you. Make sure you insert your school name in the first paragraph of page 1 and if you are printing it out to send home you will probably want to copy it into your schools’ template.
Python Text Files Lesson
nwilkinnwilkin

Python Text Files Lesson

(2)
The totally FREE lesson teaches your students about reading from and writing to text files with Python. This lesson is perfect for GCSE computer science classes learning how to write to an external text file and read from an external text file, displaying the results in the Python shell. Download this ready to use lesson now and become more confident in teaching more programming skills to your pupils. It’s free so what have you got to lose? This ready to use lesson is suitable for GCSE computer science pupils. This resource includes an attractive dyslexia friendly PowerPoint presentation that includes three videos to teach the key skills and includes lots of programming practise and the teachers lesson plan even includes complete answers to all the programming challenges. This ready-to-use lesson is perfect for non-specialist teachers, newly qualified teachers and teachers who are teaching Python for the first time. Please note: students should be familiar with using sub programs and for loops, before this lesson. Duration: 1 lesson In this lesson your students will learn about: Writing to a new text file Appending data to an existing text file Reading data from a text file The importance of closing a file Concatenating line breaks Casting from integer to strings . What are you waiting for? Take action straight away and download your FREE copy of this wonderful no-prep lesson today that will keep your pupils engaged and making progress. Click Here To See More Of My Great Python Lessons
Christmas Bitmap Drawing Activity
nwilkinnwilkin

Christmas Bitmap Drawing Activity

(0)
This FREE simple Christmas activity teaches pupils about how bitmap images are constructed. They need to convert the binary numbers into denary and then use them to create various images. They are shown the final image as well as the binary numbers used to create the bitmap image. Suitable for Year 7 or 8 as a fun Christmas lesson. Please note: the Excel spreadsheet is protected and only some cells are open for the pupils to type into.
Python Recapping Good Programming Practice
nwilkinnwilkin

Python Recapping Good Programming Practice

(0)
This Python lesson is perfect to help GCSE classes get back into Python programming after they have had a break from it. It does assume they are familiar with the KS3 national curriculum requirements and have previously been taught about data structures including lists and 2D lists and sub programs. Please note: This lesson recaps these key areas, giving pupils a chance to practise previously learnt skills but this lesson is not suitable for teaching these elements to your class for the first time. Download this no-prep lesson now to help you take control of your workload. This complete lesson includes an attractive dyslexia- friendly PowerPoint presentation includes a pop quiz and lots of practical programming practice. The easy-to-follow teacher’s lesson plan includes all the answers. This ready-to-use lesson is perfect for non-specialist teachers, newly qualified teachers and teachers who are teaching Python for the first time. Duration: 1 lesson although you can easily extend this into a longer project by asking the pupils to write up how they tackled the problem, problems they had to overcome, where they looked for help and creating a test table. This lesson helps pupils understand the following key skills: Using sensible variable names Adding comments to programs to explain the coding Leaving blank lines in programs to make them easier to read Considering the end user and making the system user friendly Including sensible input messages and error messages The importance of testing a program . What are you waiting for? Take action straight away and grab your copy of this wonderful lesson today that will keep your pupils engaged and making real progress. Everything is done for you which will save you hours of preparation time. 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. **Click Here To See More Of My Great Python Lessons **
Python Recapping Lists and 2D Lists
nwilkinnwilkin

Python Recapping Lists and 2D Lists

(0)
This Python lesson is perfect to help GCSE classes get back into Python programming after they have had a break from it. It does assume they are familiar with the KS3 national curriculum requirements and have previously been taught about data structures including lists and 2D lists. Please note: This lesson recaps these key areas, giving pupils a chance to practise previously learnt skills but this lesson is not suitable for teaching these elements to your class for the first time. Download this no-prep lesson now to help you take control of your workload. This complete lesson includes an attractive dyslexia-friendly PowerPoint presentation includes a pop quiz and lots of practical programming practice. The easy-to-follow teacher’s lesson plan includes all the answers. This ready-to-use lesson is perfect for non-specialist teachers, newly qualified teachers and teachers who are teaching Python for the first time. Duration: 1 lesson. This lesson teaches pupils about: What is a list? Creating, editing and deleting data from a list Creating and editing data in a 2D list . What are you waiting for? Take action straight away and grab your copy of this wonderful lesson today that will keep your pupils engaged and making real progress. Everything is done for you which will save you hours of preparation time. 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. Click Here To See More Of My Great Python Lessons
Python Recapping Sub Programs
nwilkinnwilkin

Python Recapping Sub Programs

(0)
This Python lesson is perfect to help GCSE classes get back into Python programming after they have had a break from it. It does assume they are familiar with the KS3 national curriculum requirements and have previously been taught about sub programs, functions and procedures. Please note: This lesson recaps these key areas, giving pupils a chance to practise previously learnt skills but this lesson is not suitable for teaching these elements to your class for the first time. Download this no-prep lesson now to help you take control of your workload. This complete lesson includes an attractive dyslexia-friendly PowerPoint presentation, a pop quiz and lots of practical programming practice. The easy-to-follow teacher’s lesson plan includes all the answers. This ready-to-use lesson is perfect for non-specialist teachers, newly qualified teachers and teachers who are teaching Python for the first time. Duration: 1 lesson. This lesson teaches pupils about: What is a sub program? Calling sub programs Passing single and multiple variables to sub programs Returning single and multiple variables to the main program . What are you waiting for? Take action straight away and grab your copy of this wonderful lesson today that will keep your pupils engaged and making real progress. Everything is done for you which will save you hours of preparation time. 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. Click Here To See More Of My Great Python Lessons
Python Recapping Programming Constructs
nwilkinnwilkin

Python Recapping Programming Constructs

(0)
This Python lesson is perfect to help refresh pupils’ knowledge of Python programming after they have had a break from it. It does assume students have previously been taught about if statements, for loops and while loops and this lesson will recap these skills helping to embed them further. Download this ready to use lesson now and take control of your workload. It includes an attractive dyslexia-friendly PowerPoint presentation that includes differentiated lesson objectives, created in authentic English by an experienced computer science teacher and the lesson also includes lots of practical programming practice. It also includes a comprehensive lesson plan including all the answers. This ready-to-use lesson is perfect for non-specialist teachers, newly qualified teachers and teachers who are teaching Python for the first time. Please note: This lesson does assume the pupils have previously been taught the basic programming constructs of sequence, selection (if statements) and iteration (while and for loops) and just need a refresher. Duration: 1 lesson. This lesson helps pupils understand the following key skills: Basic If statements If…elif statements Nested if statements Using “and” and “or” in conditions For loops While loops Flow diagrams . What are you waiting for? Take action straight away and grab your copy of this wonderful lesson today that will keep your pupils engaged and making real progress. Everything is done for you which will save you hours of preparation time. 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. Click Here To See More Of My Great Python Lessons
Python Practical Assessment (End of KS3 or start of GCSE)
nwilkinnwilkin

Python Practical Assessment (End of KS3 or start of GCSE)

(0)
Taking over a new year 10 GCSE computer science class? Wanting to find out your current classes Python programming skills? This resource contains a list of practical Python programming challenges which test key aspects of the KS3 national curriculum for text-based programming language. Pupils are tested on: Mathematical operators Data types Dealing with strings Loops If statements Logical operators Random numbers Data structures (lists) and Sub programs The pupils are given a worksheet which contains 11 Python programming challenges. They need to work through them attempting the programs and sections they can. If they don’t know how to do something then ask them to move on and try to complete as much of the challenges as they can. This allows you to find out the gaps in their current knowledge. The results are then entered into a an Excel spreadsheet using a simple system of 0 (not met the criteria) or 1 (met the criteria) that is then converted into a list showing you the pupils current understanding displayed as “Secure” or “Developing”. You can then use this to help you plan future lessons to fill the gaps in their skills. This practical assessment can be used at the end of Key Stage 3 to help you and pupils when selecting their options or it can be used at the start of their GCSE to assess which areas need to be recapped. This resource also includes the completed Python programs for all the challenges allowing you to see a possible answer for each challenge making this easier for non-specialists and NQTs who want to have a little more assistance as they build their confidence in Python programming. 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.
KS3 Python SoW Outline
nwilkinnwilkin

KS3 Python SoW Outline

(4)
This free document outlines the lessons that can be used to teach Python programming covering the national curriculum requirements for a text based programming language for key stage 3. It outlines the lessons and provides links to make your job easier when searching for a comprehensive, high-quality set of lessons. It also includes a link to an end of unit assessment.
Python programming KS3 assessment
nwilkinnwilkin

Python programming KS3 assessment

(0)
This assessment test allows you to assess your pupils against the national curriculum specification for Python programming. It should be used at the end of Key Stage 3 as a summative assessment rather than as a formative assessment. The national curriculum specifies that by the end of Key stage 3 pupils should have been taught to “use two or more programming languages, at least one of which is textual, to solve a variety of computational problems; make appropriate use of data structures (for example, lists, tables or arrays); design and develop modular programs that use procedures or functions (for example, sub programs).” This test allows you to assess if your pupils have met this criteria. It includes a 6 page PDF document which should be printed and given to your pupils to complete under test conditions. There is no practical element to this test and is completed through a written test. This resource also includes a mark scheme to aid the teacher in marking the paper and even includes grade boundaries and descriptions that can assist the teacher when writing pupils’ long reports. Duration: 1 lesson This end of unit assessment does assume the pupils have been taught the following areas: Data types Syntax errors Logical and sequence errors Inputs and outputs Sequence, selection and iteration If…else statements Drawing and understanding flow diagrams Mathematical operators (+, -, * and /) Comparison operators (>, <, >=, <=, == and !=) For loops (count controlled loops) While loops (condition controlled loops) Simple lists and 2D lists (data structures) Sub programs Passing variables between sub programs and the main program Local and global variables 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.
Python Subprograms Lesson
nwilkinnwilkin

Python Subprograms Lesson

(0)
This complete Python programming lesson teaches pupils how to use subprograms including how to pass variables, call subprograms and use local and global variables. Download this no-prep lesson now to help you take control of your workload. This ready to use lesson is suitable for Key Stage 3 and GCSE computer science pupils. This complete lesson includes an attractive dyslexia-friendly PowerPoint presentation including videos to teach the key skills and the easy-to-follow teacher’s lesson plan includes all the answers. This ready-to-use lesson is perfect for non-specialist teachers, newly qualified teachers and teachers who are teaching Python for the first time. Please note: This lesson does assume the pupils are confident with using basic programming constructs of sequence, selection (if statements) and iteration (while and for loops) Duration: 1 lesson. This lesson teaches pupils about: Subprograms Passing variable to a subprogram Returning variables from a subprogram to the main program Local and global variables . What are you waiting for? Take action straight away and grab your copy of this wonderful lesson today that will keep your pupils engaged and making progress and save you preparation time. 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. [Click Here To See More Of My Great Python Lessons] (https://www.tes.com/resources/search/?authorId=835903&q=Python Lessons&shop=nwilkin)
Welsh Computer Science Word Wall Display
nwilkinnwilkin

Welsh Computer Science Word Wall Display

(1)
Getting your classroom ready for back to school? Here is a fully editable PowerPoint presentation that contains 60 common computer science words in Welsh and simple student-friendly definitions. They can be displayed as a permanent wall display or you can pick the words to display to compliment your current teaching goals. It is like having a computing dictionary on the walls of your classroom for the students to quickly refer to and can help with spellings of common computer science terminology as well as acting as a reminder of the meanings of computing terms. As it is fully editable you can add to and alter the definitions yourself to make a truly personalised learning wall display for your classes. These terms are suitable for KS3 computing and GCSE computer science classes. Each slide has been adjusted to print on A4 paper and it is recommended you print them in colour for maximum effect. The colours of the key terminology refer to the following categories: Blue – Programming and Algorithms Red – Networks Purple – Computer Systems Green – Cyber security Orange – Binary, Data and Logic With thanks to Dilwyn Owen for the kind translation into Welsh. You can download the English version of this resource from here: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/computer-science-word-wall-display-12168842
Computing Year 7 First Lesson
nwilkinnwilkin

Computing Year 7 First Lesson

(0)
Planning you first lesson to welcome your new year 7 computing class? This lesson includes an attractive editable PowerPoint presentation which covers the following skills: Logging on to the school network Creating a strong password Searching the internet This allows you to get to your know classes a little easier, learn their names and make an initial judgment on their current ICT abilities. This resource also includes teachers lesson plan, teachers observation form and a worksheet and answers. 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.
Python 2D Lists Lesson
nwilkinnwilkin

Python 2D Lists Lesson

(0)
This lesson allows pupils to create and amend simple two-dimensional lists in Python. Download this ready to use lesson now and take control of your workload. It includes an attractive dyslexia friendly PowerPoint presentation that includes differentiated lesson objectives, videos to teach key skills, created in authentic English by an experienced computer science teacher and the lesson also includes lots of practical programming practise. It also includes a comprehensive lesson plan including all the answers. This ready-to-use lesson is perfect for non-specialist teachers, newly qualified teachers and teachers who are teaching Python for the first time. Please note: This lesson does assume the pupils are confident with using basic programming constructs of sequence, selection (if statements) and iteration (while and for loops) and creating simple lists. Duration: 1 lesson. This lesson helps pupils understand the following key skills: Creating simple 2D lists Displaying the contents of a 2D list Displaying the 2D list with each item on a separate line Displaying single items in a 2D list Adding data to the end of a 2D list Inserting data into a specific position in the 2D list Altering data in a 2D list Removing data from a 2D list . What are you waiting for? Take action straight away and grab your copy of this wonderful lesson today that will keep your pupils engaged and making real progress. Everything is done for you which will save you hours of preparation time. 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. Click Here To See More Of My Great Python Lessons
Computer Science Word Wall Display
nwilkinnwilkin

Computer Science Word Wall Display

(13)
Getting your classroom ready for back to school? Here is a fully editable PowerPoint presentation that contains 60 common computer science words and simple student-friendly definitions. They can be displayed as a permanent wall display or you can pick the words to display to compliment your current teaching goals. It is like having a computing dictionary on the walls of your classroom for the students to quickly refer to and can help with spellings of common computer science terminology as well as acting as a reminder of the meanings of computing terms. As it is fully editable you can add to and alter the definitions yourself to make a truly personalised learning wall display for your classes. These terms are suitable for KS3 computing and GCSE computer science classes. Each slide has been adjusted to print on A4 paper and it is recommended you print them in colour for maximum effect. The colours of the key terminology refer to the following categories: Blue – Programming and Algorithms Red – Networks Purple – Computer Systems Green – Cyber security Orange – Binary, Data and Logic
Python Lists Lesson
nwilkinnwilkin

Python Lists Lesson

(0)
This complete Python programming lesson teaches pupils how to create and amend simple one-dimensional lists in Python. This lesson deals with one-dimensional lists only. It does not teach pupils about two-dimensional lists as that is covered in another lesson available from here. Download this no-prep lesson now to help you take control of your workload. This complete lesson includes an attractive dyslexia friendly PowerPoint presentation including videos to teach the key skills and the easy to follow teachers lesson plan includes all the answers. This ready-to-use lesson is perfect for non-specialist teachers, newly qualified teachers and teachers who are teaching Python for the first time. Please note: This lesson does assume the pupils are confident with using basic programming constructs of sequence, selection (if statements) and iteration (while and for loops). Duration: 1 lesson. This lesson teaches pupils about: Creating simple 1D lists Displaying the list Displaying the list with each item on a separate line Displaying single items in a list Adding data to the end of a list Adding data to a specific position in the list Altering data in a list Removing data from a list Finding the length of a list . What are you waiting for? Take action straight away and grab your copy of this wonderful lesson today that will keep your pupils engaged and making progress and save you preparation time. 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. Click Here To See More Of My Great Python Lessons
Validation and verification in a robust program
nwilkinnwilkin

Validation and verification in a robust program

(1)
Ever wondered what the exam boards mean by a robust program? Here is a working example of a robust program created in Python. It includes the Python program, an SQL database it links to along with a walkthrough PDF explaining the main points of the program. The program displays the following programming skills: Selection Iteration String manipulation Using logical and Boolean operators Creating and calling subprograms Passing variables between subprograms Validation Verification Writing to and reading from an external file Searching for data using SQL Good programming practice Please note: This is a robust program, however that does not make it indestructible :)