Computer Science
Overview
The qualification builds on the knowledge, understanding and skills established through the Computer Science elements of the Key Stage 3 program of study.
The specification enables learners to develop computational thinking skills built on a sound base of conceptual learning and understanding. This is a very challenging course that will require students to analyse abstract problems, breaking solutions down into logical small steps.
There is the need to learn a computer language (Python) and have a strong interest in the way computers work.
Course Content
The course is split into 3 main sections:
1
Computer Systems
This section looks at the structural components of a computer system including systems architecture and software, networks and the ethical, legal, cultural and environmental concerns.
2
Computational thinking, algorithms and programming
This section local at fundamental algorithms and programming techniques, computational logic and how data is represented within computer systems
3
Programming project
This section requires students to produce a solution to an exam board set task, covering all aspects of the systems development life cycle, from analysis to testing and evaluation.
Assessment
- Computational thinking, algorithms and programming - 1 hour 30 minutes written exam
- Programming project
- Controlled assessment
Requirements
Students wanting to take this option will need to have a keen interest in computing, have a good logical mind and enjoy solving problems.