Music

Computer Science

Examination Board CIE GCSE Type GCSE Specification No. 0984

What is Computer Science?

Computer Science combines the study of Software, Hardware and Information Communication technologies. It combines understanding the fundamentals of how computers work and developing new software to be able to achieve a goal.

What skills are involved/developed through the course?

Computer Scientists are required to be able problem-solvers. They must be able to break a complex problem into a series of smaller problems to be solved. It is important to develop computational thinking skills to be able to understand what can be computed and how. There is an opportunity to develop a competence in programming in a high-level language and the summer project allows boys the ability to develop a specific solution, to consolidate the course, working in a small group.

GCSE Specification

Pupils will study a range of topics over the two years: • Computer systems: hardware; software networking • Programming: Algorithms, data representation and database concepts • Programming concepts: Constants, variables and data types; structures; program flow control; procedures and functions. • Software development: Software development life cycle; prototyping; application testing • Social impact of technology

Nature and timings of assessment

There are two written papers at the end of Year 11.

Year 10 Year 11

Unit/Topic Assessment Unit/Topic Assessment

Theory of Computer Science End of year mock examination to take place at end of year 10. GCSE examined in Year 11 Theory of Computer Science 1 hr 45 mins (60%) 75 mark written exam paper. Questions will be based on section 1 of the subject content.

Problem solving and programming End of year mock examination to take place at end of year 10. GCSE examined in Year 11 Problem solving and programming 1 hr 45 mins (40%)

50 mark written exam paper. Questions will be based on section 2 of the subject content. 20 marks are from questions set on the pre-release material Both exams are short answer and structured questions. All questions are compulsory and externally assessed in two 1 hour 45-minute exams

What sort of pupil does it suit and what will they get out of the course?

The course is suitable for students who enjoy puzzles and problem solving. Students should be confident in thinking analytically and interested in using technology to solve real life problems. During the course students will have the opportunity to work with external companies to be able to get a taste of career opportunities and use the latest technology and techniques in solving their problems.