Computer Science

The GCSE in Computer Science is a fun and challenging qualification that will enable you to:

• Understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of Computer Science, including abstraction, decomposition, logic, algorithms, and data representation
• Analyse problems in computational terms through practical experience of solving such problems, including designing, writing and debugging programs
• Think creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically
• Understand the components that make up digital systems, and how they communicate with one another and with other systems
• Understand the impacts of digital technology to the individual and to wider society
• Apply mathematical skills relevant to Computer Science.

The qualification consists of three units of work. Two units are externally assessed through a written exam taken at the end of Year 11. One unit of work is assessed internally through the completion of a 20 hour controlled assessment. The units of work comprise of the following:

• Component 1 – Computer Systems – 1 ½ hour exam (50%)
• Component 2 – Computational thinking, algorithms and programming – 1 ½ hour exam (50%)
• Component 3 – Programming Project – to be completed over 20 hours under controlled assessment conditions