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

introduce students to the exciting world of computer science
allow students to become confident creators of digital material not just consumers
start on a journey that allows students to become masters of the digital world
develop critical thinking, analysis and problem-solving skills
prepare students for GCSE computer science We will be studying... Fundamentally, how a computer works:
how to work with binary (0s and 1s)
why computers work in binary
how data is stored in a computer
how hardware makes a computer work
how to program computers to do exactly what we want (using Python programming language).

With a grounding in Python, we can go on to explore how this perfect beginners’ language can allow you to make games, control mini computers and even to hack Minecraft.

Why study...

it is really interesting
it is fun
it is challenging and makes you think
it gives you a good method for approaching problems in your other subjects
it is ideal preparation for the GCSE in Computer Science which can lead onto Computer Science A Level
it is a first step in a really rewarding career in one of the fastest growing industries in the country

What career options are opened up by the course?

The fast growing and fast moving digital industries are desperate for young talented people to join the many small and large companies involved in making apps, websites and other software that runs our lives.

Key Contacts

Miss Bradnum – Head of Computer Science

kristy.bradnum@wrenacademy.org

Syllabus Website

http://www.ocr.org.uk/Images/313155-specification-entry-level-computer-science-r354.pdf

Find out more about this subject

www.code.org/educate/inspire – you can change the world

www.codecademy.com – sign up for free and learn to code

www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/29051567 – why computer science is so important

https://www.edutopia.org/blog/computational-thinking-across-the-curriculum-eli-sheldon – the concepts learnt in Computer Science benefit all subjects

http://viewpure.com/nKIu9yen5nc – says it all really!