Computer Science

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Computer Science

The school now follows a Computer Science only curriculum in Years 10 and 11 which means that now, rather than learning how to work with computers, pupils learn how to create their own computers, computer networks and software to be run on them. Programming and Computational thinking make up a large proportion of the OCR course which is an extremely worthwhile skillset to possess, whether or not pupils wish to go on to study Computer Science further or pursue a career in it. Pupils learn how to write program code that processes data, creates graphics and manipulates files. Computational thinking especially benefits pupils in the logical solving of problems, helping them in other subjects such as Mathematics, Physics and Engineering. As well as working on software, pupils will also discover the fundamental hardware components and system architecture of computers as well networking and what networks offer in terms of creative and destructive potential with network security and crime featuring heavily in the new OCR specification. Assessment is via two written papers both lasting 90 minutes each.

Computer Systems

This component will introduce learners to the fundamentals of Computer Architecture, exploring the components and composition of the Central Processing Unit (CPU), computer memory and types of storage device. As well as this we explore how Operating Systems play a vital role in the running and maintenance of a computer as well as how they form the basis of a user friendly and effective system. Finally, the course examines the fundamentals of wired and wireless networks including their makeup, protocols and important pieces of hardware that connect the world many times over.

Computational thinking, Algorithms and Programming

This component incorporates and builds on the knowledge and understanding gained in Computer Systems, encouraging learners to apply this knowledge and understanding using computational thinking. Learners will be introduced to algorithms and programming, learning about programming techniques, how to produce robust programs, computational logic, translators and facilities of computing languages and data representation. Learners will become familiar with computing related mathematics.

Mr T. Higham Head of Computer Science and ICT t.higham@merchanttaylors.com