Computer Science
Edexcel
Computer technology continues to advance rapidly and the growth in the use of mobile devices and web-related technologies has exploded. Businesses today require an ever-increasing number of technologically-aware individuals. The ability to program computers is a valuable skill. This is even more so in the gaming, mobile and web related industries and GCSE Computer Science has been developed with this in mind.
Pupils studying this course will gain an understanding of the fundamental concepts around creating software applications, empowering them to be creators rather than passive consumers. Pupils will have the opportunity to do some fascinating in-depth research, take apart and rebuild computers from their core components and learn practical programming skills in languages such as Python.
Subject content:
Computational thinking
Data
Computers
Networks
Issues and impact
Programming
Computer Science at GCSE supports further study in Computer Science A‐Level. Students can then progress to courses at university such as systems engineering, software engineering, cyber security and artificial intelligence. Career prospects in the computing industry are wide ranging. Computing skills are essential in a wide range of professions not just IT related jobs. Study of the subject supports progress in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. The study of Computer Science develops transferable skills, particularly problem solving and logical thinking.
There are no defined prerequisites for this course; however, pupils interested in this course will need to demonstrate sound mathematical skills and an interest in computer programming.
Assessment
Paper 1: Written exam worth 50% of the course. Paper 1 is 1hr 30min consisting of five compulsory questions on computational thinking, data, computers, networks, issues and impacts.
Paper 2: Practical onscreen exam worth 50% of the course. Paper 2 is 2 hours and consists of practical programming tasks in Python 3.
For more information contact Mrs G Butler, Head of Computing & ICT.