Training and CPD for Teachers
There are lots of new units and content in the 2017 BTEC IT and Computing specification. I can provide CPD training and support for either unit theory, assignment preparation or Non Examined Assessment preparation in the following units:
BTEC IT Level 2 - Creating Systems to Manage Information
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Exam content and preparation.
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ERD design.
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Creating tables and datatypes.
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Validating tables for data input.
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Creating single table queries.
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Creating multi-table queries.
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Queries with aggregate functions (SUM, MIN, MAX).
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Queries with calculated fields.
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Creating simple reports.
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Creating reports from queries.
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Creating reports with calculated fields.
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Creating forms for data entry.
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Creating bound forms for loading data.
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Creating calculated fields in forms.
BTEC IT Unit 4 Programming
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Explaining the different Paradigms.
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Simple Assembler Programming.
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Programming in Python.
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Programming in C#.
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Programming in VB.NET.
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Assignment preparation.
BTEC IT Unit 9 - Project Management
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Agile methodology.
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PRINCE2 methodology.
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Waterfall Methodology.
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RAD Methodology.
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How to apply these methodologies to a BTEC project.
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How to handle the Learning Aims B and C writeup.
BTEC IT Unit 11 Cyber Security and Incident Management
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Core networking theory.
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Basic threats and countermeasures.
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Forensic Analysis.
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How to effectively prepare for the 9 hour Non Examined Assessment.
BTEC IT Unit 14 IT Service Delivery
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How to deliver the unit with a focus on the exam.
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How to carry out the research phase.
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What is meant by an IT Service Strategy.
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What is meant by an IT Service Solution.
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What is meant by an IT Service Catalogue.
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What documents do you need to an IT Service Solution.
Costs for training will be £50 per person per hour. Please email me for further details.
PROGRAMMING SUPPORT FOR TEACHERS
Python has gained an awful lot of traction for Key stage 3 and Key stage 4 programming over the last 5 years, and it's not hard to see why:
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It's a very forgiving language.
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You can begin programming immediately.
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You don't need to learn any difficult syntax.
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It deals with dynamic typing of variables behind the scenes for you.
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It's not case sensitive.
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It is well suited to students with specific learning requirements.
However, Python does not fit in very well with either the OCR or AQA specification at A Level because:
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It does not support classic FOR loops, you have to loop across an iterator.
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It does not support CASE statements.
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It is not strongly typed so it's difficult for students to understand variable declaration.
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It does not support static arrays (which you need a for loop to use), you have to use NumPy.
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It does not support DO..WHILE loops (or post condition loops).
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You cannot overload methods in Object Orientation, which makes Static Polymorphism almost impossible.
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There is no concept of Public, Private or Protected scope, which is a teaching requirement for most Syllabuses.
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It is challenging to overload or chain constructors in Python.
All of these, students need to understand the pseudocode for, but Python will not support it.
I can help provide CPD for you at your school to go over the peculiarities of the language and tailor support for you in your classroom with your year group.
In addition I can full support you in C# and VB.NET helping you to understand Object Orientation as well as database connectivity.
This support can be for both GCSE Computing as well as A Level and Level 3 BTEC IT and Computing.
Remote support via Skype is available.
Costs for training will be £50 per person per hour. Please email me for further details.