GCSE Computer Science |
Every time you use a computer (laptop, tablet, mobile phone) you are using programs that have been created by coders, the software engineers who shape the connected world in which we increasingly live, work and play.
Studying Computer Science in Year 9 will open up a world of opportunities as you learn to become a creator of the digital world rather than just a consumer. Find out how a computer counts and how it follows instructions and start to take control by learning how to program, and if you have already enjoyed a bit of programming (remember making games in Scratch in Year 7?), see how far you can extend your skills.
This course aims to: |
Give students the following:
- Valuable thinking and programming skills that are extremely attractive in the modern workplace.
- A deep understanding of problem solving and experience in creating logical and efficient solutions.
- Ability to write down solutions to problems for other people to understand.
- A good grounding in mainstream computing theory and understanding.
Why study GCSE Computer Science? |
Computer Science skills give students the opportunity to become inventive and innovative in the ever increasingly technological world. Students who have the ability to programme, also show a deep understanding of problem solving and logic, and will be well suited to create innovative apps, software or hardware systems in the future. Computer Science gives students a strong grounding in computing theory and how this can be applied in real world solutions and in other subjects that they study.
What kind of student is suitable for this course? |
This course would be suitable for students who enjoy working with computers and technology and who are strong Maths students. Students should be curious about the technological world around them. This course is a practical and theory based course, so students must be creative and keen to be innovative to find answers to problems. Students need to be patient and resilient to be able to understand computational thinking, which is required in GCSE Computer Science.
What career options are opened up by the course? |
This course is suitable for students who are interested in careers in technology, ranging from data analyst, games designer, network manager to software architect. The course is developed with links to innovative technology companies and gives students a chance to develop key skills in Computer Science that will help them solve real world problems. The course will develop wider transferable skills that could help in a range of career options.
Course Structure |
At GCSE, we operate a flipped learning approach where students prepare for each lesson in advance, so that classroom time can be used to deepen the students’ understanding.
Computer Systems – Component 1
- Study how processors work.
- Investigate computer memory and storage.
- Understand how we represent data within computers in binary form.
- Explore modern network layouts and how they function.
- Build skills in the ever important realm of cyber security.
- Investigate how types of software are used within computer systems.
- Stretch wider comprehension of how computers and computing affect ethical, legal, cultural and environmental issues.
Computational Thinking, Algorithms and Programming – Component 2
- Study fundamental algorithms in Computer Science.
- Build a firm foundation in programming techniques (using Python).
- Thoroughly test programs and make them resistant to misuse.
- Explore Boolean algebra (AND, OR, NOT).
A Programming Project
Students are given the opportunity to undertake programming tasks during their course of study, which allows them to develop their skills to design, write, test and refine programs using Python, a high level programming language. Students will be assessed on these skills during the written examinations, in particular component 2 (section B).
Key Contacts |
Miss Bradnum, Head of Computing
kristy.bradnum@wrenacademy.org
Syllabus Website |
https://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/gcse/computer-science-j277-from-2020/specification-at-a-glance