1 minute read

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’.

Advertisement

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

This article is from: