Course description

Computer Science GCSE is an innovative course which aims to give students a real, in-depth understanding of how computer technology works. Students will develop critical thinking, analysis and problem-solving skills through the study of computer programming. The course provides excellent preparation for higher study (ALevels Computer Science requisite) and employment in any fields of Computer Science and IT (aeronautics, cybersecurity, data analytics etc).

Course structure

This course comprises 2 papers:

Paper 1 – Computational thinking and problem solving (50%) : 2-hour written exam (non-calculator)

Paper 1 focuses on Computational Thinking and Programming Skills,  testing algorithms, code tracing, and programming constructs (loops, variables, arrays) using Python, C#, or pseudocode, often requiring students to write, refine, or debug code. This course is highly practical-focused.

Key Content Areas and Assessment

• Computational Thinking: Algorithms, decomposition, abstraction, and logic.

• Programming Concepts: Understanding data types, variable assignment, selection (IF), iteration (FOR/WHILE), and functions.

• Practical Skills: Designing, writing, testing, and debugging code in a chosen high-level language C#.

• Algorithm Representation: Trace tables, pseudocode, and flowcharts.

• Exam Structure: A mix of multiple-choice, short-answer, and extended, higher-mark questions. 

Typical Question Types

• Trace Tables: Following a code snippet to determine output.

• Debugging: Finding errors in provided code (syntax or logic).

• Algorithm Writing: Designing an algorithm (pseudocode or actual code) to solve a specific problem.

• Short Answer: Defining key terms like "variable," "parameter," or "Boolean". 

Paper 2  – AQA Computing Concepts (50%) :  1-hour 45-minute written exam worth 

Key Content 

• Focus Area: Primarily theoretical computing concepts rather than programming.

• Content Covered:

  • Data Representation: Binary, hexadecimal, character sets, and image/sound representation.

  • Computer Systems: Hardware, software, and the fetch-execute cycle.

  • Networks: Network types (LAN/WAN), wired/wireless, and protocols.

  • Cyber Security: Threats and preventative methods.

  • Database: Basic database querying using SQL.

  • Ethical, Legal, and Environmental Impacts: Impact of technology on society.

• Exam Structure: A mix of multiple-choice, short-answer, and extended-response questions.

Qualification: AQA GCSE in Computer Science

Director of Learning:  Ms E Certenais

emmanuelle.certenais@riddlesdown.org