International Lower Secondary Computing Student's Book: Stage 8

Collins International Lower Secondary Computing series is structured around six themes relating to computing and digital literacy and offers learners a comprehensive and engaging approach to learning, enhanced by real-world applications. Each chapter is organised to develop essential skills, leading learners towards the creation of a final project.

The project-based activities nurture creative skills and give learners the opportunity to make decisions and develop projects that matter to them. Stage 8 projects focus on everything from using Python, to creating an advertisement for a product, giving children the tools to build key computing and ICT skills, linking the five strands of theory to the practice of computing, and showing learners how computers work.

• Collins International Lower Secondary Computing series provides in-depth coverage of the Cambridge curriculum frameworks for Lower Secondary Computing (0860) and Lower Secondary Digital Literacy (0082) as well as the UK national curriculum for Computing at secondary level.
• Each chapter enables students to develop their computing and digital literacy skills through a fun, practical and relatable project. Stage 8 helps learners to create an advertisement for a product, use Python, design and program algorithms using AND, OR and NOT logic, create a troubleshooter to find and resolve a wide range of computer problems and use sound, video, images and text to create a virtual tour.
• Learners will build their understanding throughout the stage, using a rich variety of sources with an international focus to support their learning.
• With regular opportunities for discussion, group work, investigation and design, the Student’s Book and Workbook encourage active learning throughout. This includes ‘unplugged’ learning to explore concepts and foster computational thinking skills. Each chapter concludes with an opportunity for learners to build and showcase their own work, consolidating their learning through self or peer assessment and reflection.
• Clear explanations, visually engaging activities and ‘Key terms’ features are designed to support young learners, especially those with English as a second or additional language.
• The course includes the latest hardware and software information, additionally exploring Artificial Intelligence and AI images and empowers learners to navigate the online world safely by equipping them with crucial digital safety skills.
• Written by Laura Sach – a female expert with a breadth of computing experience across industry, education and research, and her culturally responsive approach provides teachers with an accessible and inclusive learning experience for all ages and inspires greater participation and tech career pathways for all.
• Will prepare students for a seamless transition to Lower Secondary Computing Stage 9.

Laura Sach is an experienced teacher, author and technical educator. She has written learning materials for a wide variety of audiences including online courses for adult learners and materials commissioned by the UK Government for A level Computer Science students. Laura believes that high quality documentation benefits everyone, not just learners, and she enjoys using her skills to empower others to be creative with code.