GCSE Computer Science Unit 1 - Storage Calculating the capacity of files: In the exam, students will be expected to be able to calculate the capacity of different file types: Text File, Database File, Sound File and Image File. This lesson provides students with practice calculating capacity for the four different file types - 5 minute lesson plan and teacher solution provided.

Once I have introduced the basics of the programming concepts, there are always students who the concept 'clicks' with and they are able to complete the program as other students work through at a slower pace. By having Challenge Cards on display in the class, as they finish a task, they can practice using the programming concept in independent challenges. Challenge tasks are used with Year 8 to develop the programming concepts introduced in the unit: Sequence, Lists, Selection and Iteration.

Written: Online World (LA.A) Practical: Unit 6 Graphics - Task 3 As the Year 10 become Year 11, I need to give them a mock exam. This tests their knowledge of Unit 1, and provides more coursework evidence for Unit 6 Digital Graphics. Solution to the Unit 1 mock exam now uploaded!

Following on from the Python Introduction Unit, this unit will focus on developing more efficient code now that students understand iteration, selection and lists. In this lesson, students look at simple examples in order to understand the difference between procedures and functions. (Included text file with code as Python file cannot be uploaded). Next lessons: Using functions to effectively plan code.

Knowledge Build Cards for LA.A Online Services & Communication. This resource includes the second instalment of Knowledge Build Cards 5-9 (15 minutes - Read & Answer differentiated questions). Small chunking of theory as start to lesson.

With Computing, students come with a varying degrees of experience from primary so we have selected an ICT skill which all should be able to demonstrate skills so we can get an initial picture. The structure of the test is based on the KS4 model which I am introducing from the outset in KS3 as 'Computing de Facto standards'.

Pseudocode and flowchart Year 9 recap lesson.

Start the lesson with Nimble Numbers - in this resource, convert binary to denary numbers.

Key Stage 3 Computing Year 8 Spring term assessment. Introduction to computer networks. Differentiated questions include: Binary, internet, topologies, client-server networks, cloud storage and encryption.

A simple spreadsheet lesson to develop independence in completing tasks in Excel. Great for a cover lesson.

BTEC Tech Award in Digital Information Technology Common Tricky Word Flashcards a) Print out and laminate for peer-to-peer knowledge testing. b) Use at home or in class for revision, keyword appears, define, definition appears. Written in simple terms, based on areas Year 11 2020 struggled on in preparation for the February exam.

Algorithmic Thinking through Flowcharts and Python A resource designed to teach complete novices how to think logically before attempting to write code in Python. This resource emphasises the importance of working out the algorithm using a flowchart, and gets students to practice writing the code before going onto Python (thus preventing the 'Rabbit in headlights' scenario).

Python Efficiency - Lesson 2 Menu-driven Program Creating a menu using Procedures, Functions and Selection. Menu to perform calculations: Add, subtract, multiply or divide 2 numbers from user input. (Example Python code in text file - simply copy and paste into Python)

Incorporate functional skills into the new KS3 Computing curriculum - essential transferable skills for use in other curriculum areas. This is the scheme of work for the spreadsheet unit, with a self-assessment checklist and an end of unit test.

In response to added emphasis on the Component 1 & Component 2 exams, following the NEA decision, I have re-structured my approach in lessons running up to the exams. Attached are two structured lessons which target specific 'question' styles at the beginning of the lessons, with revision of theory (based on OCR guidance - separate powerpoint theory on OCR website) before attempting a) for component 1, a QWC extended question or b) for component b, a writing algorithm questions. Over the coming weeks, as I develop the lessons to focus on areas of weakness shown in mock exams, I will upload further lessons in the hopes they can prepare your students for assessment as well.

Year 7 Summer Term Assessment. Understanding Computers. Differentiated questions on: The computer system, hardware and software. Following a unit where students were introduced to the workings of a computer, and creating a flash animation on the topic, this assessment checks their understanding of the underlying theory.

Introduce students to Year 7 Computing with Kodu. Develop/assess mouse control. Develop/Assess programming skills. Develop/Assess creativity. Bring competition into the class from the outset. A simple challenge to see where the students are at the start of Key Stage 3, and to show them the Computing is fun.

Independent Enquiry - Activity to encourage students to develop confidence in basic programming skills: Purple - Low ability, Blue - Middle Ability, Yellow - Higher ability Possible solution - Python - in text file.

End of Unit test Differentiated questions on Dangers to computer networks, identifying vulnerabilities and preventing attacks. Teacher solution provided.

A revision resource developed to revise key terms for the introductory unit of Python with examples from the code students have used in the unit.