National Centre for Computing Education

The return to exams: improving student attainment in computer science

Nicola Chapman -

Are you looking to improve your understanding of student attainment ahead of the GCSE exams this summer? Whether you are an established or early-career teacher, the return to terminal exams this year is going to look a little different.

To support you, we have grown our Computer Science Accelerator residential programme. This March, we’re running a two-day residential at the National STEM Learning Centre in York, focusing on ways to raise student attainment in GCSE computer science.

Supported with evidence on student attainment, this residential will also reference the ‘Advanced Information’ set to be provided by awarding bodies on the 7 February 2022, meaning you and your students can get prepared for the summer.

The residential will include the following two courses, taken from the Computer Science Accelerator programme:

Booking onto the residential is free for teachers working in state-funded schools in England, with overnight accommodation and meals included in the booking. Bursaries are also available for those working in state-funded schools in England.

Find out more about this course

Residential CPD at the National STEM Learning Centre

What have other participants said?

Recently, several CSA residentials have run at the National STEM Learning Centre, and we've had some fantastic feedback.

The ability to participate in intensive CPD, with no distractions from school, plus the ability to network with like-minded teachers were all cited as big positives of the residential offer.

Participant quotes from our 2021 residentials:

  • "The facilitators made the course interesting, fun and accessible for all."
  • "The CPD was fantastic; we were so well looked after from the moment we arrived on site until the moment we left."
  • "It was great to network with other teachers and share experiences, and be introduced to all the resources and ways of seeking advice and help."

About the author

Simon Roberts, Secondary Computing Specialist - STEM Learning