At LAB, we are excited to be offering GCSE Computer Science at Key Stage 4.
On this page, the Computer Science team has sought to provide you with all the information you would need to make an informed and considered choice about whether to pursue this area of study at Key Stage 4.
Please note that the Computer Science GCSE involves a significant amount of mathematical content, so we would strongly recommend that you consider it only if performing well and have an interest in Mathematics.
If you do have any further questions which you would like answered, please do not hesitate to visit the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page available via the drop down menu at the top of this page.
Please click on the video opposite to hear from Mr Hughes, our Computer Science teacher, regarding the knowledge and skills content required of the OCR specification we will be following, alongside assessment information, and the future career pathways that align with these.
Computer science is the study of how data and instructions are processed, stored and communicated by computing devices. It involves designing software and addressing fundamental scientific questions about the nature of computation but also involves many aspects of hardware and the architecture of large computer systems.
Computer scientists create the brains in our smartphones; they keep airplanes from falling out of the sky; they help surgeons do a better job and they automate aspects of manufacturing. There are many different roles that a computer scientist could fill, but some of the most popular are included below:
1). Software Developer
Software developers create software programs that allow users to perform specific tasks on various devices, such as computers or mobile devices. They are responsible for the entire development, testing, and maintenance of software.
Software developers must have the technical creativity required to solve problems uniquely. They need to be fluent in the computer languages that are used to write the code for programs.
2). Database Administrator:
Database administrators analyze and evaluate the data needs of users. They develop and improve the data resources used to store and retrieve critical information.
They need the problem-solving skills of the computer science major to correct any malfunctions in databases and to modify systems in line with the evolving needs of users.
3). Computer Hardware Engineer:
Computer hardware engineers are responsible for designing, developing, and testing computer components, such as circuit boards, routers, and memory devices.
Computer hardware engineers need a combination of creativity and technical expertise. They must be avid learners who stay on top of emerging trends in the field to create hardware that can accommodate the latest programs and applications.
4). Computer Systems Analyst:
Computer systems analysts assess an organization's computer systems and recommend changes to hardware and software to enhance the company's efficiency.
5). Computer Network Architect:
Computer network architects design, implement, and maintain networking and data communication systems, including local area networks, wide area networks, extranets, and intranets. They assess the needs of organizations for data sharing and communications.
For more information about careers within this field, do visit the 'Computer Science and AI' page on the Unifrog subject library, some videos from which have been included below to pique your interest!