GCSE Computer Science
The first course the Computing department offers is GCSE Computer Science.
We follow the AQA Computer Science Specification.
Computer Science equips students with the required practical and theoretical knowledge that would underpin a career in computer science. The skills of logical thinking, decomposition and algorithmic thinking are applicable to everyday life and will enable students to fulfil their wider personal life journeys. The course covers a wide range of computer science knowledge from the ethics of computers to the understanding of how data is transferred around a network.
This course will build upon their knowledge and understanding of computer science gained from our KS3 curriculum.
Click here to see our Learning Journey.
Assessment
Paper 1: Computational Thinking and Programming Skills
A mix of multiple choice, short/long answer questions assessing programming, practical problem-solving and computational thinking skills
- Written exam: 2 Hours
- 90 Marks
- 50% of GCSE
Paper 2 - Computing Concepts
A mix of multiple choice, short/long answer questions assessing theoretical understanding of computer science
- Written Exam: 1 hour 45 minutes
- 90 Marks
- 50% of GCSE
Alongside this learners will undertake a variety of Programming Challenges throughout the course that lets them develop their programming and computational thinking skills.
Revision Guide:
Useful websites:
https://www.senecalearning.com/ - This is a highly effective revision website that tracks pupil progress through the specification
https://www.bbc.com/bitesize/subjects/z34k7ty – BBC Bitesize revision theory and questions
https://repl.it – programming practice challenges
https://w3schools.com – tutorials, references for programming languages