Embedded Files
Welcome to the Computer Science GCSE page. Here you will find a video outlining the course, answers to common questions and careers information.
Welcome to the Computer Science GCSE page. Here you will find a video outlining the course, answers to common questions and careers information.
As always, please do get in contact if you have other questions by emailing james.campbell@kingsacademies.uk
As always, please do get in contact if you have other questions by emailing james.campbell@kingsacademies.uk
FAQs
FAQs
What is Computer Science?
What is Computer Science?
Computer Science is the study of computers and computing concepts:
Computer Science is the study of computers and computing concepts:
Computer Hardware and Software
Computer Hardware and Software
Networking and the Internet
Networking and the Internet
Programming computers
Programming computers
Representing data and information using digital devices
Representing data and information using digital devices
The use of algorithms (step by step processes) to solve problems.
The use of algorithms (step by step processes) to solve problems.
What’s the difference between Computer Science and ICT?
What’s the difference between Computer Science and ICT?
Information Computer Technology (or ICT) is focused on how computers and digital technologies are used to manage information and processes in the workplace and our personal life as well as their impact on society . While there is some overlap between ICT and Computer Science, ICT is more focused on how computers can be used while Computer Science is more concerned about how they work.
Information Computer Technology (or ICT) is focused on how computers and digital technologies are used to manage information and processes in the workplace and our personal life as well as their impact on society . While there is some overlap between ICT and Computer Science, ICT is more focused on how computers can be used while Computer Science is more concerned about how they work.
How will the GCSE be assessed?
How will the GCSE be assessed?
Assessment in Computer Science is 2 written exams at the end of the course.
Assessment in Computer Science is 2 written exams at the end of the course.
Paper 1: Computational thinking and programming skills (2 hours)
Paper 1: Computational thinking and programming skills (2 hours)
Paper 2: Computing concepts (1 hour 45 minutes)
Paper 2: Computing concepts (1 hour 45 minutes)
Each paper contributes to 50% of your final grade.
Each paper contributes to 50% of your final grade.
There is no longer a practical assessed programming project but students should expect to spend a significant amount of time practicing their programming skills in class and as home learning.
There is no longer a practical assessed programming project but students should expect to spend a significant amount of time practicing their programming skills in class and as home learning.
Where could computer science take me?
Where could computer science take me?
A GCSE in Computer Science is a good introduction to anyone who might be interested in pursuing a career in the IT industry either via higher education (such as a degree in Computer Science) or an apprenticeship. IT is one of the largest sectors in the UK and likely to continue to grow.
A GCSE in Computer Science is a good introduction to anyone who might be interested in pursuing a career in the IT industry either via higher education (such as a degree in Computer Science) or an apprenticeship. IT is one of the largest sectors in the UK and likely to continue to grow.
Careers in IT can include:
Careers in IT can include:
- Computer Programmer
- Electronic Engineer
- Software Engineer
- Database Architect
- Network Engineer
- Website designer
- Game designer
- Multimedia programmer
- Data Scientist
- Business Systems Analyst
- Business Intelligence Analyst
- Cyber Security Consultant
In addition, in Computer Science you will learn skills key to any career such as
In addition, in Computer Science you will learn skills key to any career such as
- Problem solving techniques
- Testing your solutions
- Handling data
- Use of IT
Do I need my own computer at home to do Computer Science?
Do I need my own computer at home to do Computer Science?
It is advantageous to have access to a computer from home as students will be expected to practice their programming outside of lesson time. However all of the software tools that are used will be available on the school library computers.
It is advantageous to have access to a computer from home as students will be expected to practice their programming outside of lesson time. However all of the software tools that are used will be available on the school library computers.
Do I need to be able to program already to do Computer Science?
Do I need to be able to program already to do Computer Science?
It is not necessary to be an experienced computer programmer to study computer science. At the start of the course no prior knowledge, beyond what we have studied in Year 9, is expected.
It is not necessary to be an experienced computer programmer to study computer science. At the start of the course no prior knowledge, beyond what we have studied in Year 9, is expected.
What programming languages will we study?
What programming languages will we study?
As part of the course we will study two main programming languages. Python, which is a general purpose language and SQL, which is a specialised database language. As part of both papers students will be expected to be able to both interpret, correct and write short programs in both languages.
As part of the course we will study two main programming languages. Python, which is a general purpose language and SQL, which is a specialised database language. As part of both papers students will be expected to be able to both interpret, correct and write short programs in both languages.
We will also cover the key concepts behind structured and procedural programming (one of the main approaches (or paradigms) to programming and how to test and validate our programs to ensure they perform correctly.
We will also cover the key concepts behind structured and procedural programming (one of the main approaches (or paradigms) to programming and how to test and validate our programs to ensure they perform correctly.
What else will we study beyond programming?
What else will we study beyond programming?
As well as learning to program in specific languages, we will study computational thinking. Computational Thinking is an approach to examining real-life problems and designing solutions that can be turned into computer programs. Computational thinking includes sub-topics like decomposition (breaking down problems), abstraction (determining what are the key features of a problem) and algorithms (creation of detailed processes to solve a problem)
As well as learning to program in specific languages, we will study computational thinking. Computational Thinking is an approach to examining real-life problems and designing solutions that can be turned into computer programs. Computational thinking includes sub-topics like decomposition (breaking down problems), abstraction (determining what are the key features of a problem) and algorithms (creation of detailed processes to solve a problem)
We will also study more theoretical topics including;
We will also study more theoretical topics including;
- Computer Systems. What is a computer, what is hardware and software and how do they interact to create a computer.
- How can we store information such as text, images and sound in a digital device.
- How do computer transfer data between each other, what is the internet and how does it work
- The ethics of how computers and digital technology are affecting society.
- Cyber security, what are the different types of threats to computer systems and how can we protect ourselves from them
Page updated
Report abuse