The Computing Tutor

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:

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BTEC IT Level 2 - Creating Systems to Manage Information

• Exam content and preparation.

• ERD design.

• Creating tables and datatypes.

• Validating tables for data input.

• Creating single table queries.

• Creating multi-table queries.

• Queries with aggregate functions (SUM, MIN, MAX).

• Queries with calculated fields.

• Creating simple reports.

• Creating reports from queries.

• Creating reports with calculated fields.

• Creating forms for data entry.

• Creating bound forms for loading data.

• Creating calculated fields in forms.

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BTEC IT Unit 4 Programming

• Explaining the different Paradigms.

• Simple Assembler Programming.

• Programming in Python.

• Programming in C#.

• Programming in VB.NET.

• Assignment preparation.

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BTEC IT Unit 9 - Project Management

• Agile methodology.

• PRINCE2 methodology.

• Waterfall Methodology.

• RAD Methodology.

• How to apply these methodologies to a BTEC project.

• How to handle the Learning Aims B and C writeup.

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BTEC IT Unit 11 Cyber Security and Incident Management

• Core networking theory.

• Basic threats and countermeasures.

• Forensic Analysis.

• How to effectively prepare for the 9 hour Non Examined Assessment.

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BTEC IT Unit 14 IT Service Delivery

• How to deliver the unit with a focus on the exam.

• How to carry out the research phase.

• What is meant by an IT Service Strategy.

• What is meant by an IT Service Solution.

• What is meant by an IT Service Catalogue.

• What documents do you need to an IT Service Solution.

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Costs for training will be £50 per person per hour. Please email me for further details.

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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:

• It's a very forgiving language.

• You can begin programming immediately.

• You don't need to learn any difficult syntax.

• It deals with dynamic typing of variables behind the scenes for you.

• It's not case sensitive.

• It is well suited to students with specific learning requirements.

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However, Python does not fit in very well with either the OCR or AQA specification at A Level because:

• It does not support classic FOR loops, you have to loop across an iterator.

• It does not support CASE statements.

• It is not strongly typed so it's difficult for students to understand variable declaration.

• It does not support static arrays (which you need a for loop to use), you have to use NumPy.

• It does not support DO..WHILE loops (or post condition loops). 

• You cannot overload methods in Object Orientation, which makes Static Polymorphism almost impossible.

• There is no concept of Public, Private or Protected scope, which is a teaching requirement for most Syllabuses.

• It is challenging to overload or chain constructors in Python.

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All of these, students need to understand the pseudocode for, but Python will not support it.

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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.

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In addition I can full support you in C# and VB.NET helping you to understand Object Orientation as well as database connectivity.

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This support can be for both GCSE Computing as well as A Level and Level 3 BTEC IT and Computing.

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Remote support via Skype is available.

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Costs for training will be £50 per person per hour. Please email me for further details.