School Computer Science+

This is our three track programme of study which is recommended for most learners.

It covers 18 syllabuses across 9 UK examining boards.

Is this programme the right one for me?

Theory

This track is the bookwork that you study and learn. It covers everything you need for GCSE and goes a whole lot further too!

A journey from the origins of 'logic' to designing minimal logic solutions.

Combinational logic

Tutorial

AND, OR, and NOT working in combination to create more than the sum of the parts.

In this chapter we introduce some new gates types and take a first look at how gates are packaged up in the real world of electronic logic circuit building.

A comprehensive guide to understanding, exploring, and designing databases, starting with the very basics.

Going GUI

Tutorial

Databases go gooey cross-platform for free!

Coding with Python

This track takes you from absolute beginner to writing code right the way through to intermediate level Python programmer.

This short chapters aims to get you started interacting with the beast.

This will get you set up and ready to start interacting with Python starting with some very simple 'Maths' conversations and working up to writing fuller code in a proper coding-editing tool.

Variables

Tutorial

Using variables and querying their relationships in Python.

The print() function

Tutorial

Outputting stuff to the screen with the print() function - just the basics.

Importing modules

Tutorial

More code, more tools, more functions, more power, more clarity.

It's all about repeating code execution over and over until certain criteria are met.

Lists

Tutorial

Series, arrays, collections, sets of data: all about lists.

We discuss and demonstrate different types of test data and how to design your test data to simulate and deal with exceptional conditions.

Finally, we look at tools and techniques to help find out exactly where and what the problem is.

Test data and errors

Tutorial

Let's get all formal about different types of testing and of the test data itself that you should be using.

Exception handling

Tutorial

Predict code-execution disasters, pre-empt the unexpected, take steps to mitigate against failure.

Debugging

Tutorial

Where and what is the problem?
Bug hunt, bug splat procedures and tools.

Dictionaries are a significant improvement over simple Lists when it comes to making data more accessible.

File handling

Tutorial

From file to memory - getting data from persistent storage.

Better data structure

Tutorial

Better data structure enables easier and more flexible data consumption.

Dictionaries

Tutorial

What's a dictionary?
Why are dictionaries an improvement over lists for data manipulation?

Modularisation refers the practise of taking code the exhibits useful, reusable behaviour and re-working it into a reusable form such as a function then grouping such functions together in useful libraries.

Modularisation

Tutorial

Create your own libraries of re-usable, robust, well-tested code.

In all computing languages an array is a data type used to represents a collection of elements.

Arrays are use A LOT in game design so let's take time to really understand how to work with them.

Enthusiasts' club

More in-depth investigations and projects including: advanced logic, physical computing, hacking in the CLI, customising your OS, and digital electronics.

Digging deeper; real life electronics; designing circuitry through simulation; building actual hardware.

Simplifying with Karnaugh maps

Tutorial

Here's a really great technique for Logic Designer's kit bag that you can use this to reduce complex Boolean expressions right to optimal form.

Digital™ analysis tools

Tutorial

Design, optimise, and test your Boolean logic circuits with the fantastic (and FREE) Digital™ logic simulator.