COMPUTER SCIENCE

What will I study?

This exciting GCSE gives you an excellent opportunity to investigate how computers work and how they’re used, and to develop computer programming and problem-solving skills. You’ll also do some fascinating in-depth research and practical work. This course is designed to give you an in-depth understanding of how computer technology works and a look at what goes on ‘behind the scenes’.

The course will encourage you to: -

• Understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of Computer Science, including abstraction, decomposition, logic, algorithms and data representation.

• Analyse problems in computational terms through practical experience of solving such problems, including designing, writing and debugging programs.

• Think creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically.

• Understand the components that make up digital systems, and how they communicate with one another and with other systems.

• Understand the impacts of digital technology to the individual and to wider society.

• Apply Mathematical skills relevant to Computer Science.

• Develop valuable thinking and programming skills that are extremely attractive in the modern workplace.

To gain benefit from this course it is essential that you have a good knowledge of Mathematics and should have achieved at least a grade 4 at Key Stage 3.

Mrs J Sidhu

3 Lessons per week https://www.ocr.org.uk/Images/558027-specification-gcse-computerscience-j277.pdf

How will I be assessed?

Three Assessment Objectives:

AO1: Demonstrate understanding of the key concepts and principles of computer science. Worth 30% of qualification.

AO2: Apply knowledge and understanding of key concepts and principles of computer science.

Worth 40% of qualification.

AO3: Analyse problems in computational terms to make reasoned judgements and to design, program, evaluate and refine solutions. Worth 30% of qualification.

Two external papers:

Paper 1 - Computer systems https://www.prospects.ac.uk/careers-advice/what-can-i-do-with-my-degree/computer-science

Paper 2 - Computational thinking, alogarithms and programming.

Which other subjects compliment Computing and what courses could it progress to?

Mathematical and scientific subjects including electronics. This subject can lead to A level Computing, BTEC Computing or the world of work. This qualification will also lead to the development of independent thinking, time management and personalised learning.

Optional Subject