Hello!

Head of Department: Mr S Moss

Email: [email protected]

Examination Board: OCR

You will study 3 areas of Computer Science:

• Computer Systems; Systems Architecture, Memory, Storage, Wired and wireless networks, Network topologies, protocols and layers, System security, System software, Ethical, legal, cultural and environmental concerns 
• Computational thinking, algorithms and programming; Algorithms, Programming techniques, Producing robust programs Computational logic, Translators and facilities of languages, Data representation 
• Programming project; Programming techniques Analysis, Design, Development, Testing and evaluation and conclusions 

• Computer Systems: 1hr 30mins written paper – 50% of total GCSE
• Computational Thinking: 1hr 30mins written paper – 50% of total GCSE
• Programming Project: 20 hours – formal requirement

It is essential that pupils choosing this option are:

• Very comfortable in using mathematics
• Well motivated and able to meet deadlines
• Mature enough to work with minimum supervision
• Logical and keen on solving problems
• Interested in finding out how things work

The course provides excellent preparation for higher study and employment in the field of Computer Science. The increasing importance of information technologies means there will be a growing demand for professionals who are qualified in this area. Students who’ve taken a GCSE in Computing and who then progress to study the subject at A Level or university will have an advantage over their fellow students who are picking up the subject at these levels.

The course will develop critical thinking, analysis and problem-solving skills through the study of computer programming. For many students, it will be a fun and interesting way to develop these skills, which can be transferred to other subjects and even applied in day to day life. In this respect, the course will be excellent preparation for students who want to study or work in areas that rely on these skills, especially where they are applied to technical problems. These areas include engineering, financial and resource management, science and medicine.