GCSE Computer Science (Option)

Exam board: AQA

Course description

In this course you will develop your programming skills with a view to building functioning applications. In addition, you will learn how a computer works at the base level.

Assessment

Paper 1: Computational thinking and problem solving, code tracing and applied computing as well as theoretical knowledge of computer science - Written exam set in practically based scenarios: 2 hours. 50% of GCSE.

Paper 2: Written assessment - This is the theory section of the course, which is broken into various different topics. You will learn about computer hardware and software, programming concepts, and binary mathematics, along with several other new topics. The unit is assessed in Year 11 with a written examination lasting 1 hour 45 minutes. 50% of GCSE.

Where can it take me?

This course enables students to study the subject at A Level or university. The increasing importance of computing means there will be a growing demand for professionals who are qualified in this field.

The course is also an excellent preparation if you want to study or work in areas that rely on the skills you will develop, especially where they are applied to technical problems. These areas include engineering, financial and resourcemanagement,scienceandmedicine.

Further information

Please contact: Mr G Fendek (Faculty Director of LEC)

Useful Website www.aqa.org.uk