Welcome to the autumn 2016 newsletter

This newsletter contains details of changes that have been made to the Computing Homework site over the past term.

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BBC Micro:bit

We have released a first batch of four exercises for the BBC Micro:bit. These initial exercises are designed to encourage students to explore Microsoft's Block Editor for program development. Students are not required to have access to a physical BBC Micro:bit. They will be able to complete the exercises using the on-line editor and simulator on the BBC Micro:bit site.

These exercises for the BBC Micro:bit are set within the context of a children's novel. The novel is set in the late 21st centuary, and is entitled, The BBC Micro:bit and The Moon Dust Aliens. The first batch of exercises are prefaced by the prologue from this novel.

The first four exercises for the BBC Micro:bit are listed below:

BBC Micro:bit exercises

	Exercise Topic	Exercise Title
1	BBC Microbit	Microbit 1 - SOS Beeps
2	BBC Microbit	Microbit 2 - SOS Lights
3	BBC Microbit	Microbit 3 - Compass 1
4	BBC Microbit	Microbit 4 - Compass 2

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Levels and grading

In view of the move to a 9-1 grading system for KS4 courses, we are currently reviewing the use of levels and grading on the site. We would welcome input from schools on this issue.

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New Developments

We are planning to release further batches of exercises for the BBC Micro:bit in October and in November. These exercies will be prefaced by relevant chapters from, The BBC Micro:bit and The Moon Dust Aliens.

We would welcome your suggestions on further developments. To do this, you can either use the suggestions page on the site or you can email directly to:

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