“Whether you want to uncover the secrets of the universe, or you just want to pursue a career in the 21st century, basic computer programming is an essential skill to learn”
- Professor Steven Hawking
As an EBacc subject, Computer Science is of enormous importance to the economy, and the role of Computer Science as a discipline itself and as an 'underpinning' subject across Science and Engineering is growing exponentially. You will have 3 lessons a week of this subject. You will study three units over the two years.
On this course, you will gain a real, in-depth understanding and working knowledge using real-world, practical programming techniques that give you a good understanding of what makes technology work. The course will develop computational and critical thinking, analysis and problem-solving skills through the study of computer programming. These skills cannot be taught in another discipline and to ensure you are future ready these are the skills you need. There are endless possibilities for future developments in Computer Science. Computer Science drives innovation in all the sciences, engineering, business, entertainment, agriculture, medicine and education.
J277/01 - Computer Systems
This component will assess:
• 1.1 Systems architecture
• 1.2 Memory and storage
• 1.3 Computer networks, connections and protocols
• 1.4 Network security
• 1.5 Systems software
• 1.6 Ethical, legal, cultural and environmental impacts of digital technology
Assessment - Paper 1 : 90 minute exam – 50% of total GCSE
J277/02: Computational thinking, algorithms and programming
This component will assess:
• 2.1 Algorithms
• 2.2 Programming fundamentals
• 2.3 Producing robust programs
• 2.4 Boolean logic
• 2.5 Programming languages and Integrated Development Environment
Assessment - Paper 2 : 90 minute exam – 50% of total GCSE
Non–exam task (no longer counts towards final mark but is a compulsory element of the course)
Students will be given a scenario based problem that they have to solve by using the Computation thinking and programming skills taught in lesson to identify, analyse, design, implement, test and evaluate a coded solution to the problem.
In undertaking this students will:
- Use different programming techniques
- Be able to design a coded solution to a problem
Including:
- Develop suitable algorithms
- Design suitable input and output formats
- Identify suitable variables and structures
- Identify test procedures.
- Create a coded solution fully annotating the developed code to explain its function
- Test their solution
- To show functionality
- To show how it matches the design criteria
- Identifying successes and any limitations.
See Ms Seifert for more information.