Exeter Mathematics School, in partnership with Broadclyst Community Primary School and Uffculme School, is delighted to have been awarded official Computing Hub status by the National Centre for Computing Education (NCCE), in order to provide support for primary and secondary computing teachers in schools in the area.
The West Country Computer Science (WCCS) Hub is one of a network of NCCE Computing Hubs across England and will be a focal point for local computing training for schools, and will also form links with industry and universities. The NCCE was set up in November 2018 by the Department for Education to increase the number of pupils in schools and colleges who study computer science at GCSE, AS and A level, particularly girls and those in disadvantaged areas, and to ensure that there is a strong pipeline of digital skills in England.
Please click on the relevant link below to see our courses.
Teaching and Leading Key Stage 1 Computing (2 day)
Supporting teachers with KS1 computing, this two day course explores how to effectively teach computing to KS1 students including algorithms and programming, digital literacy, creative computing and presenting information.
Teaching and Leading Key Stage 2 Computing (2 day)
Over two days you will broaden your understanding across the KS2 computing curriculum. You will strengthen your knowledge of computer systems and networks, including the internet and technologies such as search engines. You will demystify computers, developing understanding of data fundamentals such as binary, and learning how the parts of a computer system handle this data to carry out useful tasks.
Primary Programming and Algorithms (1 day)
During this one-day professional development, you will discover engaging and effective ways to help children use computational thinking. You will be equipped to develop their knowledge of how technology works, and the skills to make computers follow instructions in simple programs.
Teaching Programming in Primary
Understand key programming concepts and apply them using Scratch, with this introductory course for primary teachers.
The fee is £35 per day for teachers in state-funded, non-priority schools.
The fee is £220 per day for teachers from independent schools.
Please note that for face-to-face courses you will be taken to STEM Learning to see further details and book.
Online courses are hosted by FutureLearn. If you go through teachcomputing.org to book, these courses will come with a free upgrade. You will need a separate FutureLearn account to sign up for them, please use the same email address as you used for your account on this site so we can track your progress.
After you complete the course, go to your dashboard to track your progress towards certification.
| Course | Dates |
| Teaching and Leading Key Stage 1 Computing | NEW dates coming soon! |
| Teaching and Leading Key Stage 2 Computing | NEW dates coming soon! |
| Primary Programming and Algorithms | NEW dates coming soon! |
Outstanding Teaching of GCSE Computer Science (4 day)
This four day course explores the research and pedagogy behind outstanding teaching at GCSE in Computer Science, including how to teach programming successfully, using technology in the classroom, effective theory teaching, encouraging girls into GCSE computer science etc.
Creative Computing for Key Stage 3 (3 day)
This three day course explores the fundamentals of a successful key stage 3 computing curriculum. Focusing on curriculum design, the course will look at how to build an inclusive curriculum, how to engage students in programming, physical computing and building a successful department.
Key Stage 4 Computing For All (1 day)
The one day course will explore how computing at KS4 can be embedded cross curricular, the different qualifications available and how to build a strong curriculum offer for all students.
Scratch to Python: Moving from Block- to Text-based Programming
Learn how to apply the thinking and programming skills you’ve learnt in Scratch to text-based programming languages like Python.
The fee is £35 per day for teachers in state-funded, non-priority schools.
The fee is £220 per day for teachers from independent schools.
Please note that for face-to-face courses you will be taken to STEM Learning to see further details and book.Online courses are hosted by FutureLearn.
If you go through teachcomputing.org to book, these courses will come with a free upgrade. You will need a separate FutureLearn account to sign up for them, please use the same email address as you used for your account on this site so we can track your progress.
After you complete the course, go to your dashboard to track your progress towards certification.
| Course | Dates |
| Outstanding Teaching of GCSE Computer Science | NEW dates coming soon! |
| Creative Computing for Key Stage 3 | NEW dates coming soon! |
| Key Stage 4 Computing For All | NEW dates coming soon! |
Scratch to Python: Moving from Block- to Text-based Programming
The Computer Science Accelerator (CSA) Programme is a professional development programme designed to support teachers from non-specialist backgrounds who want to improve their knowledge of computer science and teach it at GCSE level.
The programme is suitable for those already teaching or planning to teach GCSE computer science and will help teachers to fill potential gaps in their knowledge. Generous financial support is available for schools, including bursaries to help cover the costs associated with CPD participation.
The CSA Programme offers free online courses to all teachers and free face-to-face CPD for teachers in state-funded education. A £1500 bursary is available for teachers in state-funded education on completion of the programme.
We hope you find the programme supportive and that it helps to give you the confidence to teach computer science across the curriculum.
Teachers can choose to complete individual courses from a menu of face-to-face and online options, as detailed below. Download the brochure for an overview of the programme, learning opportunities and support available for teachers.
Python Programming Essentials in GCSE Computer Science
The level of programming skill required for GCSE may seem daunting to those without a programming background. This professional development aims to take you from novice programmer to competent teacher of Python programming.
Algorithms in GCSE Computer Science
An understanding of algorithms is fundamental to success in computer science. To reach their full potential, students of GCSE computer science need to be confident in using decomposition and abstraction to solve problems. This course centres on the core search and sort algorithms; exploring how they manipulate data.
Data & Computer Systems in GCSE Computer Science
Computer programs are written in a language that humans understand, but what about the computer itself? Every piece of software and the instructions and data it contains is encoded and processed as 1’s and 0’s. This course opens the box, looking at the components, internal architecture and low level instructions needed to make all modern computers function
Networks & Cyber-Security in GCSE Computer Science
Networked computers and cybersecurity issues are the focus of this professional development. Gain comprehensive knowledge of the hardware and software systems that comprise networks, including the globally connected systems forming the internet. We will demystify the numerous protocols, network topologies and key applications used for data transfer between computers.
| Course | Details |
| Object-Oriented Programming in Python: Create Your Own Adventure Game | Learn object-oriented programming principles by creating your own text-based adventure game in Python. |
| Teaching Physical Computing with Raspberry Pi | Create simple systems that respond to and control the physical world using the Raspberry Pi and Python. |
| How Computers Work: Demystifying Computation | Explore the fundamentals of computing: computer architecture, binary logic, data processing, circuits & more. |
| Programming 101: An Introduction to Python for Educators | Explore the basics of Python. Guided by the Raspberry Pi Foundation, you’ll learn to code your first program. Supported by Google. |
| Programming 102: Think like a Computer Scientist | Take your Python skills further in this online course, guided by the Raspberry Pi Foundation and supported by Google. |
| Representing Data with Images and Sound: Bringing Data to Life | Learn how data is represented through media; audio, visual and text. |
| Understanding Computer Systems | Understand how components of a computer system interact with each other on this online course for teachers supported by Google. |
| Understanding Maths and Logic in Computer Science | Improve your ability to teach maths and logic in computing while building elements of an escape room. |
| An Introduction to Computer Networking for Teachers | Build your knowledge and understanding of computer networks as a computer science teacher. |
The Computer Science Accelerator Programme offers free online courses to all teachers and free face-to-face CPD for teachers in state-funded education.
| Teacher Progress | Receive |
| Attend 1st two day face-to-face course | £440 |
| Attend 2nd two day face-to-face course | £440 |
| Complete the programme including 2 online courses and sitting final test | £620 |
| Total Bursary | £1500 |
Teachers in independent schools can access any of our online CPD for free. A fee of £220 per day is payable for face-to-face courses.
Please note that for face-to-face courses you will be taken to STEM Learning to see further details and book.
Online courses are hosted by FutureLearn. If you go through teachcomputing.org to book, these courses will come with a free upgrade. You will need a separate FutureLearn account to sign up for them, please use the same email address as you used for your account on this site so we can track your progress.
After you complete the course, go to your dashboard to track your progress towards certification.
Python Programming Essentials in GCSE Computer Science
| Location | Dates |
| Exeter – Book your place here! |
Day 1 – 16th January, 1000-1600Day 2 – 26th February, 1000-1600 |
| Bournemouth/North Devon | To be announced in the spring term 2020 |
Data & Computer Systems in GCSE Computer Science
| Location | Dates |
| Exeter – Book your place here! |
Day 1 – 12th March, 1000-1600Day 2 – 23rd April, 1000-1600 |
| Bournemouth/North Devon | To be announced in the spring term 2020 |
Networks & Cyber-Security in GCSE Computer Science
| Location | Dates |
| Exeter – Book your place here! |
Day 1 – 8th January, 1000-1600Day 2 – 13th February, 1000-1600 |
| Bournemouth/North Devon | To be announced in the spring term 2020 |
Algorithms in GCSE Computer Science
| Location | Dates |
| Exeter – Book your place here! |
Day 1 – 30th March, 1000-1700Day 2 – 31st March, 1000-1600 |
| Bournemouth/North Devon | To be announced in the spring term 2020 |
Object-Oriented Programming in Python: Create Your Own Adventure Game
Teaching Physical Computing with Raspberry Pi
How Computers Work: Demystifying Computation
Programming 101: An Introduction to Python for Educators
Programming 102: Think like a Computer Scientist
Representing Data with Images and Sound: Bringing Data to Life
Understanding Computer Systems
