Computer Science
GCSE Computer Science gives students a real, in-depth understanding of how computer technology works. It offers an insight into what goes on ‘behind the scenes’, including computer programming, which many students find fascinating. Computer Science is of enormous importance to the economy, and the role of Computer Science as a discipline itself and as an ‘underpinning’ subject across science and engineering is growing rapidly.
Computer technology continues to advance rapidly and the way that technology is consumed has also been changing at a fast pace over recent years. The growth in the use of mobile devices and web related technologies has exploded, resulting in new challenges for employers and employees. For example, businesses today require an ever-increasing number of technologically aware individuals.
This is even more so in the gaming, mobile and web related industries and the course specification has been designed with this in mind.
Entry Requirements
Students should have a strong interest in computers, particularly how they work. They should also be keen on learning how to code and create effective applications on different platforms (web, mobile, PC, etc). Students will have the opportunity to use their problem solving skills, develop critical and logical thinking, be able to work independently as well as in a group, and demonstrate commitment towards their work.
Curriculum
Year 10 | Year 11 | |
---|---|---|
Aut.1 | Networking | Data types Computational logic |
Aut.2 | Systems Architecture Systems security Systems software |
Assessment |
Spr.1 | Mock assessment | Assessment |
Spr.2 | Mock assessment | Computational thinking The internet and the WWW |
Sum.1 | Algorithms Legislation Databases Data representation |
Revision |
Sum.2 | Memory |
Assessment Overview
Component | Marks | Duration | Weighting |
---|---|---|---|
Computer systems (01) Calculators not allowed |
80 | 1hr 30mins | 50% |
Computational thinking, algorithms and programming (02) Calculators not allowed |
80 | 1hr 30mins | 50% |
Career Pathways
Computer Science is useful in the workplace. Pupils can progress to A Levels in Computing or ICT or a BTEC Level 3 in ICT. There are obvious careers, such as system analyst, programming, app inventor, web developer, computer engineer, computer security expert, and network administrator and computer technicians.
Computer Science is also one of the highly respected academic subjects in the English Baccalaureate (EBacc), which form a good foundation for future academic pathways.
For more information click on our 6th Form A Level Computer Science Course.
Career Options
It gives you knowledge and skills which are relevant to hundreds of different types of cutting edge jobs across many industries, like cyber security, working for high-tech companies and in artificial intelligence.
- BBC Bitesize website: videos of young people who are working in jobs that computing
- Careers Pilot: example careers that this subject can lead to
- Green Careers: This is a significant growth sector with a wide variety of roles. Check out our webpage to find out more.
- Creative Industries: explore a wide selection of creative careers
- Apprenticeship courses: Info on what an apprenticeship is and courses available
THINK ICT THINK Apprenticeships from Amazing Apprenticeships on Vimeo.