Our learning offering is built around classes / courses. These are formal, instructor-led, education sessions designed to teach / reinforce a published programme of study. Courses consist of several classes, i.e. they require attendance at multiple sessions. For example, one class may reinforce a single topic from the GCSE Computer Science syllabus (in a single session), whereas one course may teach the principles of Information Security over several weeks (and perhaps targeting a recognised qualification).
Whilst some of our classes are free to attend, we do charge a small fee for many classes and most courses. This is to cover material costs such as textbooks or single-use equipment where necessary, etc.
Please note that all of our classes / courses are taught on a private (i.e. unregulated) basis. Our volunteers do however have a great amount of knowledge in their subject areas, including significant practical experience, relevant academic / vocational qualifications and, in some cases, teaching qualifications. The profile of the instructor for a scheduled class / course is always made available to you prior to enrolment. For more information on our policies (including safeguarding), please head over to our About section.
You can find details of our upcoming classes / courses below.
No classes / courses at this time. Please visit again later.
Network Topologies, Protocols and Layers #1 for GCSE Computer Science (Class) [COMSCI/KS4/NTPL1]
Aim: Gain an understanding of network topologies, protocols, and layers (including the history and fundamentals of packet switching).
Objectives: Identify and describe various network topologies. Gain an insight into the history and operation of packet switching. Explain the operation of Ethernet in detail. Explain the development and use of Wi-Fi, including frequency, channels and encryption.
Duration: 1 hour session
Enrolment: Not scheduled at this time. Please visit again later.
Network Topologies, Protocols and Layers #2 for GCSE Computer Science (Class) [COMSCI/KS4/NTPL2]
Aim: Gain an understanding of network topologies, protocols, and layers (including the history and fundamentals of packet switching).
Objectives: Explain network addressing, specifically Ethernet (MAC) and Internet Protocol (IP) addressing. Gain an insight into and describe various network protocols. Participate in a major practical computer networking activity. Understand and explain the concept of protocol layers (i.e. the OSI model).
Duration: 2 hour session
Enrolment: Not scheduled at this time. Please visit again later.
Systems Architecture #1 for GCSE Computer Science (Class) [COMSCI/KS4/SA1]
Aim: Gain an understanding of systems architecture, its purpose and history.
Objectives: Gain an insight into the history of systems architecture development. Explain the purpose of the CPU. Identify and explain common CPU components and their functions. Explain the Von Neumann architecture in detail.
Duration: 1 hour session
Enrolment: Not scheduled at this time. Please visit again later.
Systems Architecture #2 for GCSE Computer Science (Class) [COMSCI/KS4/SA2]
Aim: Gain an understanding of systems architecture, its purpose and history.
Objectives: Study the ‘fetch-execute’ cycle in detail, identifying what happens in each phase and which registers are involved, etc. Participate in a ‘machine code’ practical activity, observing the ‘fetch-execute’ cycle in action. Identify common CPU characteristics and explain how they affect performance. Identify the purpose of embedded systems and give some examples of their use.
Duration: 2 hour session
Enrolment: Not scheduled at this time. Please visit again later.
System Security #1 for GCSE Computer Science (Class) [COMSCI/KS4/SS1]
Aim: Gain an understanding of ‘data interception and theft’ and the role of ‘passwords’ and ‘encryption’ as preventative measures.
Objectives: Explain the concept of ‘data interception’ and list some examples of how it might be achieved in computer networks. Explain the concept of ‘data loss / theft’ and list some examples of impacts that might be caused by the loss / theft of different types of data. Gain an insight into how ‘passwords’ can be used to control access to computer networks and the concept of password strength. Gain an insight into how ‘encryption’ can be used to prevent ‘data interception and theft’ in computer networks.
Duration: 1 hour session
Enrolment: Not scheduled at this time. Please visit again later.
Information Security Management Principles (Course) [CYBIFS/SFIA3/ISMP]
Aim: Gain an understanding of Information Security Management concepts and issues including risk management, security standards, legislation and business continuity.
Objectives: Understand and explain the basic principles of information assurance. Examine the component parts of information security risk and then combine them to understand, assess and manage such risk. Understand the purpose of establishing an information security framework and examine its basic principles. Discuss information security risks involving people and how to manage them through the use of appropriate controls. Study technical security controls in detail and how they are used to provide protection against security incidents. Examine security issues that arise from the development, testing and implementation of new software. Appreciate physical and environmental security issues. Learn how to prepare for security problems and incidents and deal with them effectively. Dive deeper into specific technical aspects such as incident investigation, digital forensics and cryptography.
Duration: 12 x 2 hour sessions (24 hours total class time)
Recommended Pre-Requisites: Basic working IT knowledge and some awareness of Cyber / Information Security activities.
Enrolment: Not scheduled at this time. Please visit again later.
No classes / courses at this time. Please visit again later.