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Computer Science Made Easy

Average Rating3.39
(based on 38 reviews)

I have a long history in teaching Computer Science at secondary level. Most of my resources are related to the Edexcel syllabus, but in CS computing is computing, and it is all much the same!. I like to teach programming in a way that the kids will really 'get' using things relevant in their lives, like Beyonce, and Adidas!

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I have a long history in teaching Computer Science at secondary level. Most of my resources are related to the Edexcel syllabus, but in CS computing is computing, and it is all much the same!. I like to teach programming in a way that the kids will really 'get' using things relevant in their lives, like Beyonce, and Adidas!
52 dingbat starters for Computer Science and ICT
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52 dingbat starters for Computer Science and ICT

(2)
Dingbats are images that make up keywords. I've used this as an end of term whole class game which really engaged the learners in thinking about Computer Science key terms. Great for literacy too. Or they could be used as a starter to hook learners as they enter the room. More suited to year 9 and above, but can be used in KS3 where the learners have been exposed to key terms such as open source, firewall, MP3, magnetic hard drive etc.
Real life Python challenges
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Real life Python challenges

(2)
An engaging resource whereby learners work at their own pace through 4 fairly simple challenges. They assume knowledge of lists, random, if, elif, concatenation. The answers are in there, so would need to be deleted by the class teacher. There is extension for each scenario. The pack also contains a test plan to introduce learners to formal testing of their scripts.
Lesson on using subroutines in Python
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Lesson on using subroutines in Python

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Whole lesson explaining how def is used in Python. Creating main procedures, and calling subroutines within them, using Rhianna lyrics. Practical task decomposing cooking a Sunday dinner. Homelearning task included. Ideal for lower ability, or younger children, to teach the basics of subroutines, procedures that don't calculate a value, or use global variables.
Understanding WHILE loops, and interpreting basic pseudocode.
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Understanding WHILE loops, and interpreting basic pseudocode.

(1)
A one hour lesson on understanding how the while loop works with a counter. Students have the opportunity to think about a problem, seeing a WHILE flow diagram, reading some Pseudocode for a while loop, then get the chance to program a 'buggy' while loop, with expected output given. The solutions, and a homework task are also included. This lesson is aimed at either low ability KS4 or high ability KS3, and kept my youngsters engaged with it's problem solving nature.
An introduction to IF statements, Python programming challenges, pseudocode
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An introduction to IF statements, Python programming challenges, pseudocode

(2)
Based upon a problem solving approach. Learners are asked to code in Python to solve several problems in Python, and also get an introduction to basic Pseudocode to enable them to read, interpret and write Pseudocode. Possible solutions are included. This is a one hour lesson, aimed at year 10 lower ability, and was used successfully with higher attainers too.
Understanding FOR loops in Python
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Understanding FOR loops in Python

(1)
Introduction to using FOR loops for a range of items and a specified number of time, or for each entry in a list. Comparison with infinite WHILE TRUE loops. Ideal for lower ability, or younger children to understand the basics. Practical programming task included.
Christmas Scratch Animated card
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Christmas Scratch Animated card

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This contains a starter where students are asked to ponder what makes an animated card interesting. The scripts are then given for learners to create a fully animated e-card. It includes moving snow, decorations that find their way to the tree, a star coming from the sky and landing on the tree. Baubles that flash, and a merry Christmas sign that lights up. Some features start automatically and others are interactive. This can be used from around age 7 right up to year 11! Everyone loves a Christmas theme! The lesson ends with a bronze, silver gold worksheet which allows differentiation from a cloze key word task, to considering real life uses, and ends with Blooms evaluative task for more able learners. There is also a homework / extended learning task available. Two learning walks have been rated outstanding with this lesson.
Radicalisation: to understand what extremism is, and why it is bad
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Radicalisation: to understand what extremism is, and why it is bad

(1)
Observed as 'outstanding' The PPT resource has learning objectives, outcomes, AfL, tasks, and homework. The concept of what constitutes extremism is done in a number of ways which engage the learner - including analogies with sprouts and pop stars. Once the concept of understanding what extremism is has been achieved, the focus moves on to why it is a bad thing. A very engaging lesson which goes beyond the boring drone of similar lessons on radicalisation.
Scratch scripts for beginners half a terms work
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Scratch scripts for beginners half a terms work

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Six ideas for simple games that can be created in Scratch. They cover IF, loops, ELSE, show, hide, delays, pen up, scrolling screen, changing rooms, sensing colour, movement with the keyboard or automatically. There is an aim on each slide, all you need to do is add is starter, plenary, and you have half a terms work in the bag! This could be used with very young children in primary, copying the code, or older children, with the coding explained, but not given. I've used it with year 7 for several years and the youngsters love it.
GCSE ICT and Computer Science laws activity
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GCSE ICT and Computer Science laws activity

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One page description of the relevant laws pertaining to computer use (or misuse!). There is a card match activity with 30 different scenarios which the learners must match to the legislation (which is printable on another sheet). Great group activity which will get them discussing key terms such as DDOS. Also, things that are borderline illegal. My classes really engage with it. Great revision resource.
Edexcel Computer Science Paper 2 Prediction selection outcomes
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Edexcel Computer Science Paper 2 Prediction selection outcomes

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This is part of a pack aimed at GCSE year 11 Edexcel students preparing for paper 2. A lesson looking at code and predicting the outcomes. The lesson begins very much scaffolded until they are able to understand all three concepts, then answer two exam paper questions on the topic (from the summer series and the specimen) including the mark scheme answers.
Edexcel Computer Science Paper 2 Trace Tables
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Edexcel Computer Science Paper 2 Trace Tables

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This is part of a pack aimed at GCSE year 11 Edexcel students preparing for paper 2. A lesson teaching trace tables. The lesson begins very much scaffolded until they are able to understand all concepts, then answer two exam paper questions on the topic (from the summer series and the specimen) including the mark scheme answers.
A year 10 GCSE lesson on abstraction
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A year 10 GCSE lesson on abstraction

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Contains learning objectives / outcomes, and has several engaging exercises to embed the learning. One of which being a Python script which can be easily abstracted. Also, the script can be used to teach sub routines as part of the decomposition / abstraction cycle.
A year 10 lesson on decomposition
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A year 10 lesson on decomposition

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This includes learning objectives . Exercises to embed the learning. Uses real life scenarios to engage the learners and drive the message home, such as mention of Pokémon Go, and Candy Crush. Has an exam style question plenary.
Edexcel Computer Science Paper 2 Data Types in Database
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Edexcel Computer Science Paper 2 Data Types in Database

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This is part of a pack aimed at GCSE year 11 Edexcel students preparing for paper 2. A lesson teaching data types and database relationships. The lesson begins very much scaffolded until they are able to understand all three concepts, then answer two exam paper questions on the topic (from the summer series and the specimen) including the mark scheme answers.
Edexcel Paper 2 Computer Science IPO
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Edexcel Paper 2 Computer Science IPO

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This is part of a pack aimed at GCSE year 11 Edexcel students preparing for paper 2. A lesson teaching input, processing and output. The lesson begins very much scaffolded until they are able to understand all three concepts, then answer two exam paper questions on the topic (from the summer series and the specimen) including the mark scheme answers.