STYLE OF ASSESSMENT
GCSE Computer Science is assessed through the completion of two 1.5 hours’ examinations: Unit 1: Computer Systems and Unit 2: Computational thinking, algorithms and programming.
OVERVIEW OF COURSE
GCSE Computer Science is an engaging and stimulating course offering students the opportunity for students who wish to develop critical thinking, analysis and problem-solving skills through the study of computer programming. The course provides a fun and interesting way to develop these skills, which can be transferred to other subjects and even applied in day-to-day life.
The following topics are covered across Units 1 and 2:
|
Unit 1 – Computer systems |
Unit 2 – Computational thinking, algorithms and programming |
1.2 Memory and storage 1.3 Computer networks, connections and protocols
|
2.1 Algorithms 2.2 Programming fundamentals 2.3 Producing robust programs 2.4 Boolean logic 2.5 Programming languages and Integrated Development Environments |
LEARNER REQUIREMENTS
The ideal Computer Science student would have enjoyed Computing at Key Stage 3 and would like to develop their skills to a deeper level. They would have a curiosity about how computers work and would be keen to learn more about how problems can be solved through programming. They would have a good grasp of maths at Key Stage 3 and be comfortable with basic algebra.
FURTHER STUDY AND CAREER CONNECTIONS
This course provides excellent preparation for students who want to study or work in areas that rely on problem-solving skills, especially where they are applied to technical problems. These areas include engineering, financial and resource management, science and medicine. GCSE Computing also counts towards the EBACC.
Useful links:
- OCR GCSE Computer Science 9-1 home page: https://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/gcse/computer-science-j277-from-2020/
- Official Python website, where the latest version of Python can be downloaded for free: https://www.python.org/
- Code Academy – a free website that offers step-by-step lessons in Python, plus a wide variety of other programming languages: https://www.codecademy.com
- W3schools Python website – a fantastic website that provides clear examples of coding techniques you can use for reference when writing programs: https://www.w3schools.com/python/
- Raspberry Pi official website – the Raspberry Pi is a very affordable, credit card-sized computer which you can program in Python, and use in a huge range of interesting projects: https://www.raspberrypi.org/
- YouTube Socratica Python tutorials playlist: https://bit.ly/2oQoY6i
