Computer Science
“We need diversity of thought in the world to face new challenges”— Tim Berners-Lee
Why choose Computer Science?
The continual evolution of technology has seen the world change remarkably. Computational thinking, together with Digital Literacy sits at the forefront of this societal shift and our students need to be empowered to meet this challenge in order to gain productive pathways into employment and beyond.
Programmers have to think logically about a problem. Once you start learning how to code, you stop giving up on other difficult situations in your day-to-day life as well. You start trying over and over again. You become patient because you know there is always a solution. Just like creating a program, to reach the perfect solution you have to run it, and debug it several times before you get the end result you are looking for.
Welcome to GCSE Computer Science
Lead Teacher - Ms R Campbell
A qualification in Computer Science is useful in any profession and along with a national shortage of Computer Scientists, this is an opportunity to achieve a highly desirable and rewarding qualification. The skills that are taught within the subject are very useful in work, study and life.
In the computer science and IT field, attention to detail is vital. You must be able to look at long lines of code and identify anything amiss. Having an eye for small details can help you have a huge impact on projects. The key to solving problems and creating functional programs is creativity, by thinking outside the box to solve problems and give unique solutions you should stand out from those around you. Computer science is a highly analytical field. You must be able to analyse data to troubleshoot and find solutions. The most impactful type of analysis involves taking data and deriving conclusions that drive change and produce measurable results for an organization.
There are many opportunities within computing as well as in jobs where these skills are necessary including Arts and Graphics, Science, Engineering and Business.
Exam Board : Edexcel
Qualification Type: GCSE
Assessment : 100% exam based
Exam Length:
Principles of Computer Science (50%, 1h 40min exam: multiple choice, short answer and extended open response questions)
Application of Computational Thinking (50%, 2h exam: Practical exam comprising of 6 compulsory questions onscreen using Python 3)
What would help?
Anyone can choose this course, however you may find it easier to access if you are currently in one of the top sets for Maths, as much of the content will require a strong mathematical understanding. You must complete pyton programming practice regularly at home to build up your knowledge, skills and confidence in programming.
Course Content
This qualification has six comprehensive topic areas, assessed through two externally examined papers
The 6 topic areas are:
Computational thinking - understanding of what algorithms are, what they are used for and how they work; ability to follow, amend and write algorithms; ability to construct truth tables.
Data - understanding of binary, data representation, data storage and compression.
Computers - understanding of hardware and software components of computer systems and characteristics of programming languages.
Networks - understanding of computer networks and network security.
Issues and impact - understanding and awareness of emerging trends in computing technologies, and the impact of computing on individuals, society and the environment, including ethical, legal and ownership issues.
Problem solving with programming - understanding what algorithms are, what they are used for and how they work in relation to creating programs, understanding how to decompose and analyse problems, ability to read, write, refine and evaluate programs.
"Most students see a computer at the front and use the graphicaluser interfaces. The first time I used a computer, it intregued me to know how those interfaces work, the theory behind computers and the methodology for how they work" - Y11 student
Methods of Study
The GCSE Computer Science course will develop your computing knowledge and skills in these areas: problem solving; designing, writing and testing computer programs; the science behind how digital devices and networks work; awareness of the impact of computing on individuals, society and the environment. You will develop your skills by applying your knowledge to different scenarios.
You will need to make comprehensive notes, be involved in discussions, undertake research and produce high quality computer programs.
"Logical problem solving has always appealed to me. My desire for solving challenges and understanding how data, networks and related issues impact the world are all reasons why I chose Computer Science at GCSE"
- Y10 student
Assessment
Awarding body: Edexcel
Principles of Computer Science (50%, 1h 40 minute examination): Multiple choice, short and extended open response questions.
Application of Computational Thinking (50%, 2h examination): Based on a scenario. Short and extended open response questions.
Here are some examples of GCSE Computer Science work produced by our students this year...
Useful Links
Edexcel Subject Guide
CraignDave youtube videos supporting the learning for the course