[25-26 deprecated] GCSE Computer Science (1 YEAR TUTORING)
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Optional 30 minute Catch-up Drop-in
1.1 – Python Fundamentals
In this first week, we're starting off simple.
To pass this week, you must pass both the quiz and the homework assignment.
1.2 – Operators and String Manipulation
For the second week, we're expanding our knowledge of Python rapidly with the basics of operators, casting, and string manipulation. This is about building on our strong start from last week and keeping up the pace.
1.3 – Modules and Arrays
Third week! Now it's time to push Python further and further, with external modules like random and time, and then bolting on the incredible power of arrays.
1.4 – Subroutines and File Handling
Week 4! We're making good progress - but now it's time to get a bit more advanced. These are among the toughest topics in programming, so if you're struggling with these, that's normal - and a good area of focus for revision. If you're on the pro plan, this is something you could dive into more in your 1:1 if you wish.
1.5 – Intermediate Problems
This week, we're exploring records (another data structure) and 2D arrays. We'll also clean up with a discussion around parameter passing, as well as local and global variables. Then we'll put our skills together with a small programming project for your homework assignment.
1.6 – Debugging and Refining Algorithms
Today we're looking at the different types of errors, and how we can debug and test our program using the IDE.
1.7 – Computational Thinking
How can we use abstraction, decomposition, flowcharts, and pseudocode, to make algorithms easier to implement in program code? Let's find out.
1.8 – Advanced Problems
This week, we're applying abstraction, decomposition, flowcharts, and pseudocode to some tougher problems.
2.1 – Common Algorithms
This week we're looking at sorting and searching algorithms
2.2 – Programming Languages and Maintainability
We're considering high and low level languages, as well as translators, then revisiting some coding to reinforce key ideas and discuss maintainability.
2.3 – Program Comprehension
This week, we're recapping everything Python with some awareness of good teaching techniques.
These will allow us to revisit our newly acquired knowledge and skills, and reinforce them with program comprehension questions and collaborative learning.
2.4 – Ethics in Computing
This week we're doing a deep dive into an important topic - the ethical side of computing. For your exam you need to be able to answer longer form questions on environmental, legal, ethical, and cultural impacts of computing. Let's take a look!
2.5 – Data Representation – Binary and Hex
Learn how to convert freely between binary, denary, and hexadecimal.
Go one step further and do some addition and bit shifting!
2.6 – Data Representation – Images, Sound, Units of Storage
This week, we're looking at how we store massive amounts of data through kilobytes, megabytes, gigabytes and more! Then we're looking at how to calculate the file size of images and sound.
2.7 – Compression & Programming Practice
This week, a deep dive into compression and some extra programming work for additional practice!
3.1 – Logic Circuits
Let's kick the new year off with logic gates, and combining them into circuits.
3.2 – Primary Storage and CPU Architecture
We're investigating how computers actually store things. We know that computers represent numbers, text, images and more with just 0s and 1s, but where does this information actually get saved?
3.3 – Secondary Storage, Cloud Storage, and Embedded Systems
This week, we're finishing off our hardware topic, covering some extra bits that could pop up on your exam!
3.4 – Programming Revision + Interim Assessment
This week, we're revisiting our programming skills with a masterclass session, making use of the skills we've learnt across the past few half terms. Finally, there will be a revision-focused session with an interim assessment quiz.
3.5 – Software
This week we're covering software, in all its forms. The crucial thing to understand is that software is an umbrella term that can be broken down into systems software, as well as application software.
3.6 – Defensive Design
4.1 – Networking 1
This week we're tackling the giant beast that is networking. We'll go one step at a time and work on this more next week too.
4.2 – Networking 2
4.3 – Network Security
This is the final 'content' week. Enjoy it while it lasts!
4.4 – Computer Systems Masterclass
This week, we're covering content from OCR Component 1 and AQA Component 2
4.5 – Algorithms and Programming Masterclass
Let's master the fundamentals of code based questions.
5.1 – Memory, Storage, Networks Deep Dive
5.2 – Systems Software, Ethics, Logic, Programming Languages Deep Dive
5.3 – Algorithms and Programming Fundamentals Deep Dive
5.4 – Producing Robust Programs Deep Dive
5.5 – Extra Bits 1
Common Algorithms
This week, we’re talking about searching algorithms (first lesson) and sorting algorithms (second lesson).
Before attending the first lesson, watch the brief 2 minute video explaining linear searches. It even contains the Python code, so we can see it in action, which I think is really useful. You are not expected to be able to code a linear search at GCSE level, but it’s quite straightforward, and my hope is that by the end of the year, you would be able to do this anyway.
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