New beginnings for CS1: the experience of a introducing a socially focussed pre-term group activity for Computing undergraduates

Like all faculty we still puzzle as to why able students who arrive at university with good-quality academic qualifications continue to struggle during their early years in computer science, despite all the fine tuning that has taken place in the teaching process. Perhaps changes which expand student experiences and build capacity for group working and social learning could make an impact in this area. This poster examine how introducing non-technical activities which address objectives in the wider computer science curriculum and promote non-technical skills and experience of group working can can establish sound foundations for a university career.