Computing

Key Information    

GCSE Computer Science is engaging and practical, encouraging creativity and problem solving. It encourages pupils to develop their understanding and application of the core concepts in computer science. Pupils also analyse problems in computational terms and devise creative solutions by designing, writing, testing and evaluating programs. Studying computer science will provide you with valuable knowledge and a wide skill set to prepare you for a career directly within computer science and wider roles using the computational thinking skills required to be successful within the subject. 

Assessment

This course is currently assessed by two paper based terminal exams (taken in Year 11) both weighted at 50%.  One paper test’s the Principles of Computer Science with topics such as; hardware, software , binary, and computer networks. The other test’s the Application of Computational Thinking with topics that include ; algorithm design, trace tables, logic gates and programming. This is also combined with a practical programming project.

Subject information

The course will develop critical thinking, analysis and problem-solving skills through the study of computer programming.  For many pupils, it will be a fun and interesting way to develop these skills, which can be transferred to other subjects and even applied in day to day life. 

Pupils taking GCSE Computer Science will:

• develop knowledge and understanding of the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science

• develop and apply computational thinking skills to analyse problems and design solutions across a range of contexts

• gain practical experience of designing, writing, and testing computer programs that accomplish specific goals

• develop the ability to reason, explain and evaluate computing solutions

• develop awareness of current and emerging trends in computing technologies

• develop awareness of the impact of computing on individuals, society and the environment, including ethical, legal and ownership issues

• communicate computer science concepts and explain computational solutions clearly and concisely using appropriate terminology

Is this course right for me?

If you enjoy problem solving, and have a desire to complete challenging tasks without giving up.

If you are prepared to work hard and complete extra work outside of lessons

If you enjoy, or are thinking of a career in a STEM subject. A natural progression would be to take A-Level Computer Science.

The course contains some advanced mathematical concepts. Pupils need to have a strong understanding of Maths (predicted grade 5 or higher) to be successful within this subject. 

What can this lead to?

Computer science can lead to many technical careers such as software development, technical support or games design, but is also facilitates and supports many more different careers, as computer science gives pupils the skill sets required to be resilient and self-evaluative, meaning pupils are well placed for the world of work for our young people with careers that we cannot even imagine in an ever-changing world.