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GCSE Computer Science

The first course the Computing department offers is GCSE Computer Science.

We follow the AQA Computer Science Specification. 

https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/computer-science-and-it/gcse/computer-science-8525/specification-at-a-glance 

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

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