Algorithmic Thinking through Flowcharts and Python: Iteration 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).

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).

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'.

Start the lesson with a focus on key skills using spreadsheets - also a useful reminder when students are completing spreadsheet tasks.

Start a Computing lesson promptly with some numbers! Convert denary to binary - solution provided on final slide in presentation.

Start a Computing lesson promptly with some numbers! Convert binary to denary - solution provided on final slide in presentation.

These Key Concept sheets show the key skills that can be used in reports to engage the reader and to present information visually.

Use these AfL checklists as you cover theory for the A451 exam. Differentiated for main topics to identify where students need more help in preparation for their exam.

Differentiated checklists for KS3 Computing curriculum.

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

Establishing good practice in Computing from KS3, so that in KS4 the de Facto standards for programming and presenting work are already in place.

Incorporate functional skills into the new KS3 Computing curriculum - essential transferable skills for use in other curriculum areas. This scheme of work and self-assessment checklist, will help develop students report writing skills in Microsoft Word, ready for use in KS4 controlled assessment write-up.

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.

Differentiated self-assessment sheets for the main units in the new OCR GCSE Computer Science 9-1. Gauge the progress of students against their ability - Low Ability Pupils (LAP), Middle Ability Pupils (MAP), High Ability Pupils (HAP) and Most Able pupils (MA). Use as a progress check for students, and as a check for teachers that they are covering the content outlined in the OCR GCSE Computer Science 9-1 specification.

Differentiated self-assessment sheets for the main units in the new OCR GCSE Computer Science 9-1 - Unit 1 Computer Systems. Gauge the progress of students against their ability - Low Ability Pupils (LAP), Middle Ability Pupils (MAP), High Ability Pupils (HAP) and Most Able pupils (MA). Use as a progress check for students, and as a check for teachers that they are covering the content outlined in the OCR GCSE Computer Science 9-1 specification.

Converting numbers - a key skill for the A451 exam. Use these resources as 5 minute starters to engage students on arrival to lesson, and cover an important topic at the same time. More to follow as I develop these during the Autumn term.

Scheme of Work for the new OCR GCSE Computer Science 9-1 I have been developing the new Computer Science course, and hope that these schemes of work can be of assistance to others, maybe not in their entirety but at least through objectives or tasks.

This lesson looks at how to create a decision tree for a problem to be solved in Python. The program then uses functions to search for keywords in user responses. The first function provides a response internal to the program whereas the second function looks externally and imports the information from a text file. As .py file extensions are not accepted, I have uploaded it as a text file - this simply needs copied and pasted into Python IDLE.