WHAT IS COMPUTER SCIENCE?
Computer Science is not just about computers. Rather it is the study of computation and information, and is a subject which involves you in the very make-up of the world, and over the last 40 years it has transformed the way we run our everyday lives.
Computer systems are part of our everyday lives, ranging from embedded systems controlling a fridge to bank systems handling billions of transactions each day. Many of these systems are very familiar, yet we take for granted systems that make things like mobile phones, planes and medical equipment possible.
WHAT DOES THE COURSE INVOLVE?
An interest in technology and solid logical problem-solving skills and, due to the demanding nature of this course, entry criteria will apply to this course.
WHAT THEMES WILL BE STUDIED?
We study a range of themes relating to computer hardware and software, including how computers and networks work, operating systems, security and hacking and the ethical, social and legal aspects of computer use. We also study how sound, images and other data is stored using binary and hexadecimal code. Coding aspects will be taught using our chosen language, Python 3.
HOW IS IT ASSESSED?
There are 2 written papers, with one involving writing code during the exam itself.
Paper 1 : Computational thinking & programming skills
Content covered:
- Computational thinking;
- Code tracing;
- Problem-solving;
- Programming concepts including the design of effective algorithms and the designing, writing , testing and refining of code.
Form of assessment:
Written exam - 2 hours, 90 marks. Contributes 50% of GCSE
Questions:
A mix of multiple choice, short answer and longer answer questions assessing programming, practical problem-solving and computational thinking skills.
Paper 2: Computing concepts
Content covered:
- Fundamentals of data representation;
- Computer systems;
- Computer networks;
- Cyber security;
- Relational databases & SQL code and the ethical, legal and environmental impact of technology.
Form of assessment:
Written exam - 1 hour 45 minutes, 90 marks. Contributes 50% of GCSE.
Questions:
A mix of multiple choice, short answer, longer answer and extended response questions assessing SQL programming skills and theoretical knowledge.
Students will find course details here: https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/computer-science-and-it/gcse/computer-science-8525