COMPUTER SCIENCE

Computer Science is a modern, fascinating subject. The world depends on computers and in this GCSE you will learn about how computers work, the networks they use and how programming can create solutions to everyday problems and future challenges. The OCR GCSE in Computer Science is both engaging and practical, which encourages creativity and problem solving through the use of ‘Computational Thinking’. These important analytical skills can open up a whole world of opportunities, both in everyday life and in future employment, by developing an ability to analyse complex problems and to break these down into solvable tasks. Computer Science is therefore an ideal foundation for underpinning the knowledge required in many other subjects such as science, maths and engineering for example. Pupils also learn the key principles and practices of computing and gain confidence in programming by writing computer code which helps develop their understanding of problem-solving using computers. They will be taught to devise creative solutions by designing, writing, testing and evaluating their own and existing programs to fulfil a range of criteria. Studying this course will help pupils appreciate current and emerging technologies, learning the benefits of their use and recognise their potential risks too. For example, we cover how processors, networks, mobile devices and automation work while taking into account the ethical, legal, cultural and environmental concerns associated with their use.

The course aims are to develop:

• Computational thinking: that is thinking about what can be computed and how, and includes consideration of the data required • Understanding of the main principles of solving problems by using computers • Understanding that every computer system is made up of sub-systems, which in turn consist of further sub-systems • Understanding of the component parts of computer systems and how they interrelate, including software, data, hardware, communications and people • Skills necessary to apply understanding to solve computer-based problems using a highlevel programming language

Assessment:

Component 1: Computer Systems Component 2: Computational thinking, algorithms and programming

• 50% - 80 marks • Multiple choice, short answer and structured questions • Questions will be based on the central processing unit (CPU), computer memory and storage, data representation, wired and wireless networks, network topologies, system security and system software. It also looks at ethical, legal, cultural and environmental concerns associated with computer science. • 50% - 80 marks • Short answer, structured questions and practical coding questions • Pupils apply knowledge and understanding gained in component 01. • They develop skills and understanding in computational thinking: algorithms, programming techniques, producing robust programs, computational logic and translators.

Practical programming

Pupils are to be given the opportunity to undertake a programming task(s) during their course of study which allows them to develop their skills to design, write, test and refine programs using a high-level programming language. Pupils will be assessed on these skills during the written examinations, in particular Component 2 (section B). Please note: This GCSE course is only open to those who can show good working knowledge of an appropriate high-level programming language or by completing and passing the OCR Computer Science Entry Level course in Year 9 (this course is taught within the Year 9 Computer Science mini option).

Mr P B Waugh Head of Computer Science

pbw@wellingboroughschool.org