Functional programming crash course CA508 / F01
Summary
Learn about a new topic from GCSE, the world of functional programming. You will learn about the paradigm that is very different from other programming paradigms. This course covers part of the A Level AQA specification and isn’t a required element for OCR teachers. However, you may wish to upskill your programming skills further and it does contain a session on recursion which is part of the OCR specification.
This course equips you with essential functional programming concepts, focusing on first-class functions, higher-order functions, function composition, recursion, and stack frames.
Who is it for?
This course is aimed at teachers delivering A Level computer science. Since this content is not covered in most GCSE specifications we will take you right from the very basics to the more advanced topics.
During this course you’ll access the Isaac Computer Science platform, it is advised you sign up for a free, teachers account ahead of the course.
What topics are covered?
- 01 | Understanding First-Class Functions: Learn about functions as first-class objects, including their use as arguments, return values, and variable assignments.
- 02 | Exploring Higher-Order and Function Composition: Implement and use functions that take other functions as parameters or return them as results and master the composition of functions.
- 03 | Recursion and Head-Tail Operations: Master recursion techniques, understand the use of stack frames in function calls, and explore head and tail operations in list processing.
How will you learn?
Scheduled live, interactive online sessions led by an experienced practitioner. Flexible Professional Development Leader-supported, participant-led tasks, involving deep exploration of the subject content.
How long is this course?
This course will last 6 hours and is delivered in 5 sessions, these sessions may be split across multiple days.
Who is the course leader?
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Gareth Griffiths
An experienced teacher of Computer Science now working at a secondary school in Chester, teaching all year groups from Y7 through to Y13. I have a...
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Outcomes
By the end of this intensive CPD pathway, you will be able to:
- Understand the concept of first-class functions and their characteristics.
- Implement higher-order functions and appreciate their benefits in code modularity and reusability.
- Design and implement recursive functions, understanding their use in problem-solving.
- Apply head and tail operations to manipulate and process lists efficiently.
- Differentiate between pure and impure functions, focusing on the avoidance of side effects.
Sessions
| Date | Time | Location | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Understanding first class functions | 26 September 2024 | 15:30-17:00 | Virtual |
| 2. Functional Maths Quiz | 26 September 2024 | 17:01-17:02 | Virtual |
| 3. Functional programming techniques | 26 September 2024 | 17:02-18:00 | Virtual |
| 4. Recursive programming | 03 October 2024 | 15:30-17:00 | Virtual |
| 5. Recursion in functional programming | 03 October 2024 | 17:00-18:00 | Virtual |
Actions
Cost
| English Maintained | Activity feeFree | Subsidy available*£0.00 |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Activity fee£220.00 +VAT | Subsidy available*£0.00 |
| Priority school | Activity feeFree | Subsidy available*£0.00 |
| Priority school repeat teacher | Activity feeFree | Subsidy available*£0.00 |
| Trainee Teacher | Activity feeFree | |
This subsidy can contribute towards the costs associated with supply cover Find out more. |
Check your school subsidy status
The subsidy value may be higher for your school or college.
Additional information
Would you like this course delivered at your school? Contact enquiries@stem.org.uk to find out more.
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