Computer Science

WHAT WILL I LEARN?

At the very heart of Computer Science lies the concept of computational thinking. Through studying Computer Science you will develop cognitive and complex problem solving skills - precisely what employers are looking for when you will be entering the workplace and the types of skills that will benefit you across all of your studies.

Computer Science has as much to do with studying computers that astronomy has to do with studying telescopes. Problem solving, abstraction and decomposition are the key themes of the subject, skills that are all in demand no matter what you wish to do in the future.

Through the study of computer programming, the course will help encourage you to develop critical thinking, analysis and problem solving skills. This should stimulate your interest and engagement with technology and technologyrelated careers.

Throughout the course you will:

understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of Computer Science, including abstraction, decomposition, logic, algorithms, and data representation;

analyse and solve problems in computational terms through practical experience including designing, writing and debugging programs;

think creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically;

understand the components that make up digital systems, and how they communicate with each other and with other systems;

understand the impacts of digital technology to the individual and to wider society;

apply mathematical skills relevant to Computer Science. WHICH SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE MUST I HAVE BEFORE EMBARKING ON THIS COURSE?

At the heart of Computer Science is the ability to solve problems. All pupils who have studied Computing at Key Stage 3 and are comfortable with core mathematical concepts will be suitable for the course. Primarily, we are looking for pupils with an interest in Computer Science in a variety of contexts: home, business, recreation and education.

WHAT IS THE NATURE OF THE PROGRAMMING PROJECT?

There is one Programming Project which you will complete. You will choose one of three tasks.

You will complete the programming project using Python. You will need to create suitable algorithms which will provide a solution to a stated problem, and then code your solutions in a suitable programming language.

HOW IS THE WHOLE COURSE STRUCTURED AND ASSESSED?

The course consists of three units. The ‘Computer Systems’ unit is assessed in a 1.5 hour examination. This unit makes up 50% of the total mark. The ‘Computational thinking, algorithms and programming’ unit is assessed in a 1.5 hour examination which is also worth 50% of the total mark.

You will receive a separate certificate to confirm completion of the Programming Project.

WHAT WERE THE COMPUTER SCIENCE GCSE EXAMINATION RESULTS LIKE LAST YEAR? In 2019-20 56% of pupils achieved a grade 9 or 8 and 80% achieved a grade 7 or above.

FOR WHAT SIXTH FORM SUBJECTS WILL THIS COURSE BE USEFUL?

The analytical nature of the course will assist pupils to develop key thinking skills which will be beneficial across all scientific and mathematically focused subjects.

Pupils who have taken a Computer Science GCSE will have a sound underpinning knowledge of the subject area which could lead to the study of A Level Computer Science. If pupils want to go on to higher study and employment in the field of Computer Science, they will find that this course provides a superb stepping stone.