GCSE COMPUTER SCIENCE 

Option 

What Will You Do? 
Our GCSE in Computer Science is engaging and practical, encouraging creativity and problem solving. It encourages you to develop your understanding and application of the core concepts in Computer Science. You will also analyse problems in computational terms and devise creative solutions by designing, writing, testing and evaluating programmes. You will learn a range of programming skills to solve a variety of everyday problems. You will improve your coding skills! 
You will explore the world of technology, problem solving, and expansion of technology, preparing you for the ever-changing world. 
Computer Science is a hard subject to grasp but can be fun and rewarding; getting to understand the foundations of technologies and emerging technologies. You will love this aspect of the course as you realise you are preparing for jobs that do not exist yet!

How Will You Do It? 
During this course you will study 2 units; Unit 1 - Computer Systems and Unit 2 - Computational Thinking and Programming. 

For Unit 1 you will learn about current and emerging digital technologies and ethical issues such as the impact of technology on the environment. Topics include:- 1.1 Systems architecture; 1.2 Memory and storage; 1.3 Computer networks, connections and protocols; 1.4 Network security; 1.5 Systems software and 1.6 Ethical, legal, cultural and environmental impacts of digital technology 

For Unit 2 you will investigate algorithms. You will learn how to write, correct, explain and evaluate them. You will also learn what Boolean logic is, learn about data types, representation of data, data structures, security, programming languages, programming and abstraction. Topics include:- 2.1 Algorithms; 2.2 Programming fundamentals; 2.3 Producing robust programmes; 2.4 Boolean logic and 2.5 Programming languages and Integrated Development Environments 

What Qualifications Can You Obtain?
A GCSE in Computer Science at grades 9 -1. There is a single tier of entry for this subject. 

How Will You Be Assessed?
Unit 1: Written examination: 1hr 30 mins (50%) Unit 2: Written examination: 1hr 30 mins (50%) 

For further information, please contact your Computer Science Teacher or Mrs Sahota, Subject Leader for Computer Science and ICT, or Mrs Hiett-Jones Assistant Subject Leader for Computer Science and ICT.