GCSE Computer Science
Course contact: Mr W Carter - wcarter@rbhs.co.uk
Specification: GCSE
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Course outline
An engaging qualification that equips you with the knowledge and practical skills to thrive in the fast-changing world of computer science.
The aims and objectives are to enable you to apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, decomposition, logic, algorithms, and data representation. This requires you to analyse problems in computational terms through practical experience of solving such problems, including designing, writing and debugging programs in a programming language.
Beyond the coding, you will think creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically. You will explore and develop your understanding of the components that make up digital systems and how they communicate with one another and with other systems.
Linked to all aspects of new technologies, you will develop your understanding of the impacts of digital technology on the individual and the wider society.
What will I study?
You will learn how to program in a language called Python. You will learn how to apply computational thinking skills to a wide range of problems. Learn how the CPU is programmed and how it completes tasks. You’ll explore how binary works and how to work with it. How memory is stored in systems and how data is transferred across a network and the internet, which are the bedrock of Instagram and Facebook. You will learn how networks are designed and what the rules are for how they function.
How will I be assessed?
The course will be assessed through two examinations worth 50% each of the overall grade (80 marks per paper).
- Paper 1: Written examination - 1hr and 30 minutes
- Paper 2: Onscreen practical programming examination - 2hrs
You will gain over 20 hours of Practical Programming experience.
What could I do afterwards?
The course will enable you to work in many industries and internationally. Sixth Form study is a natural progression, and at Rivington and Blackrod Sixth Form, we offer both Computing and ICT strands through a Level 3 BTEC. This course has been ranked in the country’s top 20% of colleges for IT and Computing each year for the last nine years.
Students have gone on to design websites for the Royal Family, work for the NHS, and study at the best universities in the country. Apprenticeships with BT and AO have also been a recent success for our students looking to achieve a degree.