Component 2 – Computational Thinking, Algorithms and Programming (1.5hr exam, 50% of GCSE grade) Covering the computational principles that underlying coding solution including: Algorithms Programming techniques Programming robust programs Boolean logic Programming Languages Students will also be given the opportunity to undertake a variety of practical programming tasks, the skills gained during which will be examined in Component 2.
Enrichment Students will be given the opportunity to take part in the Bebras computational thinking competition and may proceed onto the Oxford Computer Science Challenge depending on their progress. They will also have access to several different programming competitions throughout their two-year course.
Future pathways Some students will go on to study Computer Science at A Level and beyond, embarking in a wide variety of careers ranging from software and games development to artificial intelligence to cyber security. Some will combine their abilities in Computer Science with other subjects they enjoy, for example, in helping to develop programs for gene research projects or mathematical models for economics. For others, simply having a deep understanding of how computer systems work is vital, especially as such systems become more and more embedded in both our home and work lives.
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