Computer Science

This GCSE will encourage students to be inspired, stimulated and excited by following a challenging course of study.

It is a rigorous academic discipline, incorporating a scientific, creative and mathematical approach which will help students gain valuable computational thinking skills that are attractive to employers.

COURSE CONTENT Unit 1 - Paper 1

1. Data representation Binary systems Hexadecimal Data storage 2. Communication and internet technologies Data transmission Security aspects Programming concepts Internet principles of operation 3. Hardware and software Logic gates Computer architecture Fetch-execute cycle Memory Storage devices Operating systems 4. Security 5. Ethics

Unit 2 - Paper 2

6. Algorithm design and problem-solving Pseudocode design Problem-solving flowcharts 7. Programming Programming concepts Data structures arrays 8. Databases

ASSESSMENTS

There will be end of topic tests for topics 1- 5 which will also be examined collectively in an end of year summer exam.

COMPUTER SCIENCE

SKILLS DEVELOPED

Students should be able to implement a systematic approach to problem solving and to develop algorithms. Students will learn to design, write, test and refine programs with a textual program definition. They must be able to apply their computational thinking skills effectively to model selected aspects of the external world, in a program, to solve a problem.

FURTHER STUDY

To study A Level Computer Science a minimum Grade 7 in GCSE Mathematics is required. GCSE Computer Science is not essential but extremely useful for A Level Computer Science study. Russell Group Universities recommend A Level Computer Science for the following courses: ● Biology ● Chemistry ● Physics ● Engineering (civil, mechanical, electronic and aeronautical) ● Economics ● Mathematics ● Medicine ● Optometry ● Pharmacy ● Psychology ● Sociology

ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT NEEDED

Students will be expected to bring a set of headphones to lessons.

SPECIFICATION LINK

ASSESSMENTS Term 1 Term 2 End of year exam

ASSESSMENTS Term 1 Term 2 End of year exam

DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY