Computer Science SKE

Our Computer Science SKE is a flexible course where you can expand your knowledge of the Computer Science curriculum in secondary schools.

Study a Computer Science SKE course at Sussex

We offer a range of units for trainees, from KS3 to GCSE, in which you can select from different materials areas. All units are supported by an excellent range of resources, including projects from Isaac Computer Science and Craig n Dave.

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Course structure

The Sussex online Computer Science SKE is available as either a Department for Eduacation (DfE) funded or self-funded course. The course lengths available are:

DfE funded: eight, 12 or 16 weeks
self-funded: 100, 200, 300 or 400 hours.

Once you have enrolled, you will be able to select from the following four-week units:

KS3 Introduction to Programming Scratch (compulsory)
KS4 Introduction to Programming in Python (compulsory)
Computational Thinking and Algorithms
System Architecture
Data Representation in Binary (numbers, characters, images, sound)
Cyber Security and Networks
Website Design using HTML and CSS

You will take the two compulsory units in July (ending with a week-long, in-person workshop). You can also choose from a selection of optional units, with more units available later in the year. You’re expected to study 25 hours a week (full-time), made up of independent study and tutorials.

Each unit will be assessed through a range of assignments including a portfolio of work, exercises and projects that allow you to demonstrate student engagement in several ways. You will also prepare materials that can be used in the classroom.

To prepare you for your PGCE you will mainly follow the GCSE Computer Science J277 Syllabus from the OCR exam board. There will also be some KS3 units of work such as Scratch Programming and Online Safety.

Eligibility and funding

There are two possible funding routes for this course – DfE-funded or self-funded.

DfE-funded route

SKE courses are funded by the Department for Education (DfE), through an SKE bursary, if you have been offered a place on a PGCE course with enrolment on an SKE course as a condition of acceptance.

You will need one of the following qualifications:

a bachelor’s degree class 2:2 or above
a master’s degree
a PhD.

The SKE bursary is paid in arrears, on completion of each 4-week unit. Once you are registered you will be able to access details of our deadlines and payment dates.

We can only pay the bursary once your teacher training provider has confirmed your eligibility and the DfE have approved the claim (we will do this on your behalf).

If you are still completing your degree, we cannot make any payments until your final grade has been confirmed and sent to us.

Find out more about SKE eligibility and funding.

Self-funded route

If you’re not eligible for DfE funding, you can self-fund this SKE.

Learn more about how to self-fund your SKE.

Resources

In addition to input from specialist subject tutors you will also receive:

a digital copy of a GCSE textbook for Computer Science
a fully paid subscription to ExamPro, a database of past KS3, GCSE and A-level exam questions
access to thousands of relevant physical and e-books through our Library
licensed software such as Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat Pro
access to Box of Broadcasts, a huge collection of documentaries, schools TV, films and drama that you can stream for free.