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.

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 :)

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.

Complete exam technique lesson to help GCSE computer science students boost their grades. Do you feel your students know their computer science theory but are worried they still need a little extra help on understanding how to answer the exam questions to get the highest marks possible? Fear not, help is at hand. This stand-alone lesson introduces your pupils to common exam terminology so they feel more prepared in understand exactly what type of answers the questions require to get the top marks available. It gives them plenty or practice in answering a variety of questions including a min exam paper you can set as a homework task or during a second lesson. Buy this resource now and give your students the opportunity of gaining a few more valuable points. This can mean the difference between getting the grades they need or possibly missing out just because they didn’t know how to answer one particular type of question. What is included? This complete lesson includes : a 29-slide PowerPoint presentation (editable) 1-page PDF teacher’s lesson plan (not-editable) 1-page PDF algorithms question handout (not-editable) 2-page PDF mini exam paper (not-editable) . Please note: This lesson was created specifically for the OCR GCSE Computer Science (J277) and AQA GCSE Computer Science (8525) exams and will help your pupils feel more prepared for their exams. How can it be used? The exam preparation PowerPoint presentation is best used during your computer science exam revision lessons. Use the PowerPoint presentation along with the class working through all the exam practice activities together. You can either set the mini exam paper as a homework task and mark it together the next lesson or even let them mark it themselves. Alternatively set the mini exam paper during a second dedicated lesson and mark it together in class. What are you waiting for? Grab your copy of this invaluable lesson now and give your pupils the boost they need to get a few extra marks in their computer science exams. 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. Looking for computer science revision material? Check out these fabulous self-study workbooks that completely cover the exam specifications: Complete set of OCR Revision Workbooks Complete set of AQA Revision Workbooks

This complete Python programming lesson teaches pupils about iteration, namely for loops and while loops. It also includes lots of practice with reading and drawing flow diagrams. Download this no-prep lesson now to help you take control of your workload. This teaching resource 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 familiar with using basic if and else statements in Python. (My ready to use lessons to teach those skills are available here: “If Statement Lesson” and “More If Statements Lesson” ) Duration: 1 lesson This lesson teaches pupils about: For loops using the range statement While loops The difference between count controlled and condition-controlled loops . 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] (https://www.tes.com/resources/search/?authorId=835903&q=Python Lessons&shop=nwilkin)

12 computational thinking worksheets you can use with your class, no preparation necessary. You even have the answers, making these a brilliant easy to use addition to your teacher toolkit. They can be printed out or completed on-screen as they are PDF files with editable areas for students to enter their answers. HOW CAN I USE THEM? These worksheets are ideal for An easy grab-and-go classroom activity, homework tasks and cover worksheets. . Perfect for computer science teachers, non-specialists and new teachers. WHAT IS INCLUDED? The 12 PDF worksheets included: Decomposition: Delivery Robot – A 2-page worksheet where students break down larger tasks into smaller tasks. A great starter activity. Decomposition: Make a Snowman – This simple worksheet where students put the steps in order and then decompose one of those steps further. This is perfect for a starter or a plenary. Decomposition: Robot Arms – This asks students to break down the tasks a robot arm in a factory would need to do. Great as a homework task. Pattern Recognition: Finding Order – Students decide on the order or steps that are required to follow a recipe successfully. A nice starter. Pattern Recognition: Spot the Correct Pattern – a 3-page worksheet where students need to pick the correct set of instructions to draw the shape. Perfect for a homework task or plenary. Pattern Recognition: Create a Pattern – a 2-page worksheet. Students follow the example given and adapt it to match the scenarios. A great way to check progress. Abstraction: London Underground – Students look at the London underground map, then answer questions about why the map has been simplified. A nice way of introducing the topic of abstraction in computational thinking. Abstraction: Film – Students describe answer questions on abstraction about a film synopsis. A nice in-class activity to reinforce learning. Abstraction: Gathering Important Facts – Students read a statement and answer questions. A nice homework task or plenary. Algorithms: Writing Instructions – A fun in-class pairs activity to write instructions for a secret handshake. A great interactive starter activity which reinforces the need for clarity in instructions. Algorithms: Pseudocode – Students write pseudocode. A nice homework task, in-class tasks to reinforce learning or plenary to check understanding. Algorithms: Flow Diagrams – A 3-page worksheet where students need to answer questions about flowcharts. Great as a plenary activity or homework task. What are you waiting for? Buy them now and use them straight away to enhance your lessons whilst saving yourself hours of preparation.

A 2-page handout for pupils to revise flowcharts / flow diagrams in GCSE Computer Science. Can be used as a homework task or in class activity. It asks the pupils to explain what is happening in 5 common flowchart types (sequence, selection, repeat until loop, do while loop and for loop). This is a Word document, so you can upload it to your VLE for the pupils to complete online or it can be printed and photocopied as you see fit. Suitable for use as a revision aid for all exam boards. There is also a 1-page teacher’s guide on marking the task. Includes the correct answer, common mistakes and tips you can give pupils about how to access the higher grades. 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.

This digital activity is entirely self-marking and helps re-enforce converting from binary to denary and denary to binary. It consists of 4 challenges each with progressively harder challenges where students complete against each other to see who can complete the challenges in a given amount of time. Ready to use with absolutely no preparation and this is a must have activity for the busy computer science teacher. The next question will only appear once the previous one has been completed correctly and students are given a clear “Correct” or “Try Again” message to tell them if they have the answer correct. WHO IS IT FOR? This activity if suitable for any students who has learnt how to convert from binary to denary and denary to binary and wants to practice those skills. It starts of with converting 5-bit numbers but progresses to 8-bit numbers and the challenges progress. Ideal for a “Teaching to the top” teaching methodology. WHAT IS INCLUDED? This resource includes an Excel spreadsheet that the students access which contains an instruction page and the 4 challenges. It also includes a second Excel spreadsheet which contains the answers for the teacher’s reference if needed. The competitive element where students are completing against their classmates means this is a fun and challenging activity that your students are sure to enjoy. Grab it now and add it to your teacher’s toolkit.

This online safety and cyber security escape room is a wonderful no-prep lesson your students will love. Created for secondary students this escape room combines quizzes, puzzles, videos, animation, sound and online activities to test their understanding of important digital citizenship concepts and bring online safety and cyber security to life. Absolutely no preparation, no printing and no specialist knowledge required by the teacher. This lesson makes an ideal: cover lesson, end of term activity or end of unit activity. . A fun, educational escape room game this is sure to be a memorable lesson your students will adore. Buy this online safety and cyber security escape room now and save yourself hours of preparation. HOW DOES IT WORK? Ideally students would need headphones to make the most out of this activity but it can be run without if necessary. Simply give the students the link to the online site (no sign up required) and away they go. Students can work individually or, if you prefer, they can work through this online safety and cyber security escape room in pairs using computers located side by side (they can each listen to the videos and sound clips through their own set of headphones but can still talk to each other to discuss their ideas). The teacher doesn’t need to do anything other than give the students the link to this online activity at the start of the lesson. All the activities are self-contained with students getting feedback automatically on their progress. Pease note: Students will need internet access in order to play this escape room game. If your students complete all the challenges in the cyber security escape room, they progress onto the Nova Labs cyber security online game as a reward which will keep them occupied and continue learning for the remainder of the lesson. HOW LONG DOES THE ACTIVITY LAST? This escape room is suitable for a variety of lesson lengths. It takes approximately 40-45 minutes to work through the online safety and cyber security escape room challenges (25-30 minutes if they are very quick) and the remainder of the lesson is taken up with Nova Labs cyber security game which on average can take 30 minutes or more to complete. You can cut the lesson shorter if required by stopping pupils from playing the Nova Labs game without completing all the levels. What are you waiting for? Grab your copy of this exciting and educational online safety and cyber security escape room today. 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.

Here are 35 the posters to create an attractive display in your computer room to help explain to your students about a few of the important people in computing who have played a role in the development of computing technology. Buy the display set now and instantly brighten your computer room. HOW CAN YOU USE THIS DISPLAY? This people in computing poster display works well when positioned: around your room following a timeline in a grid format . PREPARING THE DISPLAY It is best to print the pages in colour, if you can, but I have included a black and white version too. If you are printing in black and white you may wish to print them onto coloured paper to add a bit of interest in your classroom. I suggest printing the posters on card or laminating each page to give a more professional finish. A nice display option, if you have room, is to display the posters of all the people in computing in date order joined to a ribbon to show a timeline for students to follow around your classroom. Use a wide brightly coloured ribbon for added interest. Alternatively, they fit nicely in a grid (7 x 5). I’ve include a couple of suggested layouts to give you an idea of how you can display these people in computing posters. What are you waiting for? Download this ready to use people in computing display poster pack now and get printing. They are sure to brighten your classroom. 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.

This computer systems workbook is perfect for students studying for the AQA GCSE (9-1) in computer science and has been updated to completely cover the new specification 8525. 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. BONUS RESOURCE: This resource also includes a PowerPoint presentation that allows pupils to easily create neat logic circuits by simply dragging the options into the desired position. Clear instructions given in the presentation on how to use it. This 54-page workbook completely covers the new specification 8525 3.4 Computer Systems theory. Table of Contents: Hardware and software Boolean logic (NOT, AND, OR and XOR) Truth tables Logic circuits Boolean expressions Software Classification (System software and application software) Functions of the operating system Low-level languages High-level languages Interpreter, compiler and assembler translators Systems architecture Von Neumann architecture CPU Fetch-Execute cycle Memory (ROM, RAM, Cache and Registers) Secondary memory (Solid state, optical and magnetic) Cloud storage Embedded systems . You may also be interested in these workbooks which have also been updated for the new specification: Algorithms Python Programming Fundamentals of Data Representation Fundamentals of Computer Networks Cyber Security Relational databases and SQL Ethical, Legal and Environmental Impacts

This algorithms 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 78-page workbook completely covers the new specification J277 2.1 algorithms theory. Table of Contents: Principles of computational thinking Identify inputs, processes and outputs for a problem Structure diagrams Pseudocode Flow diagrams Refine programs using Python Identify common errors Trace tables Binary search Linear search Bubble sort Merge sort Insertion sort . You may also be interested in these workbooks which have also been written to cover the J277 specification: Systems Architecture Memory and Storage Computer networks, connections and protocols Network Security Systems Software Ethical, Legal, Cultural and Environmental Impacts Programming Fundamentals Producing Robust Programs Boolean Logic Programming Languages and IDEs

Are you looking for a robust, ready to use summative assessment to test your students understanding of data representation? Computers science teachers have been left in a wilderness, without a rigorous, fair and consistent way to test your student’s knowledge in key stage 3 … UNTIL NOW! WHAT IS TESTED? This written test has been carefully mapped to the UK’s Computing At Schools (CAS) Progression Pathways. It includes a mixture of multiple-choice, short answer and long answer questions. This assessment covers the following CAS Progression Pathway descriptions: Knows that digital computers use binary to represent all data. Knows that computers transfer data in binary. Understands the relationship between binary and file size (uncompressed) Defines data types: real numbers and Boolean. Queries data on one table using a typical query language. Understands how numbers, images, sounds and character sets use the same bit patterns. Performs simple operations using bit patterns e.g. binary addition. Understands the relationship between resolution and colour depth, including the effect on file size. Distinguishes between data used in a simple program (a variable) and the storage structure for that data. Knows the relationship between data representation and data quality. Understands the relationship between binary and electrical circuits, including Boolean logic. Understands how and why values are data typed in many different languages when manipulated within programs. . The test lasts 50 minutes. WHO IS THIS ASSESSMENT FOR? This test is paper 1 and has been written for year 8. If you are looking for the year 7 (paper 1) assessment, click here. If you are looking for the year 9 (paper 3) assessment, click here. HOW DO I USE THE ASSESSMENT? This assessment is super easy to use. Simply print out the question paper and give to your students. It is better to run this assessment in class rather than as a homework task to ensure reliability. Students complete the test on paper. HOW IS THE ASSESSMENT MARKED? You mark the papers yourself but don’t worry, you get an easy to follow mark scheme and can even watch the helpful video which shows you exactly how to mark it. HOW IS THE ASSESSMENT GRADED? Included in the resource is an Excel spreadsheet. Once you enter the marks onto the spreadsheet, it will automatically show you the total marks, the grade (A* to U) and if they have met expectations, are above expectations or are below expectations to help you with report writing. You also get a summary showing you how well the CAS Progression Pathways have been answered by your students to help you with future planning. This simple, easy to use summative assessment paper provides you with useful feedback your senior leadership team will love. Download it now to add it to your teacher toolkit.

Do your students need a little extra help understanding how to use the turtle to draw patterns using Python programming? Are you looking for some ready-to-use programming challenges that can be easily incorporated into your lessons? This worksheet can be used as a classroom activity, for a homework task or as a ready-to-use task for quick finishers, making this an invaluable resource to have in your teacher kit. Download this ready to use worksheet now and take control of your workload. Use it immediately or simply keep it in reserve for when you need it. WHAT IS INCLUDED? This 2-page PDF printable handout includes: example code, a tasks to read code, a task to correct code and 3 practical challenges for them to practice writing Python code. . You even have a separate PDF with possible answers. The diversity of these turtle challenges allows pupils to develop a variety of useful programming skills. This resource is perfect for established computer science teachers, non-specialist teachers or newly qualified teachers. What are you waiting for? Take action straight away and grab your copy of this wonderful worksheet today that will keep your pupils engaged and making real progress. Everything is done for you which will save you hours of preparation time. Please note: This resource is a non-editable PDF 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 Challenges

The TCP/IP 4-layer model is an important part of the computer science curriculum your pupils must understand. It often comes up in the exam in one form or another so your students need to fully grasp it. This lesson completely covers both the OCR GCSE Computer Science (J277) and AQA GCSE Computer Science (8520) specifications helping your students learn the TCP/IP 4 layer model. Why waste your precious time slaving over creating your own lesson when it has all been done for you for the price of a coffee in Starbucks? Grab this ready to use, no prep lesson now to save time and take control of your workload. What does it cover? This lesson teaches pupils about: IP addresses MAC addresses Packet Switching TCP/IP 4-layer model The HTTP protocol The HTTPS protocol The FTP protocol The POP protocol The IMAP protocol The SMTP protocol The Ethernet protocol . What is included? You’ll get… An attractive dyslexia friendly PowerPoint presentation that includes differentiated lesson objectives, a video and lots of tasks and questions. 3 differentiated exam style questions A comprehensive 3-page teacher’s lesson plan including all the answers. . Are you really going to spend a couple of hours of your time creating something similar when you can spend that time doing something far more fun and interesting? Grab your copy of this network protocols TCP/IP complete lesson now and take control of your workload. 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. Check out these other useful lesson resources from Nichola Wilkin (nwilkin): What is the internet? Network Topologies Wireless Networks

This complete Python programming lesson teaches pupils hoe to create a robust user-friendly program. It allows pupils to consolidate their Python programming skills by giving them a challenging program to complete. Students need to create a program that allows messages to be encoded and decode using a Caesar cypher. While they are doing this, they are acquiring valuable skills about creating robust programs and how to break a complex task into manageable chunks along with common techniques programmers use when tackling large programs. 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 qand 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 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: Using sensible variable names and user prompts Creating a menu system that works Creating a robust program that takes into account user errors to prevent them from crashing the program How to break a complex task into manageable chunks Caesar cypher Converting strings into ASCII code and converting ASCII code into strings . 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

How can you teach your students about network topologies, in an engaging way? The key is to break up the theory into small manageable chunks and reinforce each section with a variety of activities. And that is exactly what this lesson does. Why spend hours making your own resources when it is all done for you? Download this lesson today and save yourself all that preparation. WHAT IS INCLUDED? Suitable for GCSE Computer Science pupils following either OCR GCSE Computer Science (J277) or AQA GCSE Computer Science (8520) syllabuses. This lesson includes: an attractive dyslexia friendly PowerPoint presentation, differentiated lesson objectives, 4 videos to change focus and break up the lesson, loads of individual and group tasks and questions, 2 printable ready to use worksheets for classwork, A set of taboo cards for the plenary 3 differentiated exam style questions which can be used either in the plenary or set for a homework task, a comprehensive 3-page teacher’s lesson plan including ALL THE ANSWERS. . WHAT DOES IT COVER? With virtually no preparation (apart from photocopying the worksheets and taboo cards) you will be ready to teach about your classes about: Ring network topology Bus network topology Star network topology Full mesh network topology Partial mesh network topology . **DURATION: **1 lesson Check out these other great resources by Nichola Wilkin (nwilkin): Network types Network hardware What is the internet?