NEW CURRICULUM BOOKLET KS4

1: Print (“Hello”) 2: Print (”What is your name”) 3: Input = Username 4: Print (“Hello “ + Username)

GCSE Computer Science

Curriculum Leader: Mr D Strange Examination Board: OCR

Assessment Requirements:  Exam 1 – Computer Systems – 80 Marks (40%)– 1 ½ Hour Paper taken in June Year 11  Exam 2 – Computational Thinking, Programming & Algorithms – 80 Marks (40%)– 1 ½ Hour Paper taken in June Year 11  Programming Project – 40 Marks – Controlled Assessment (NEA) – Completed in lessons Course Outline: The course provides an in depth coverage of the science of how computer hardware, programming logic and coding are used to create systems that solve problems. The course requires students to use a range of Maths, logic and problem solving skills alongside developing their computer science understanding. Students will study a range of theory based work in lessons aimed at securing knowledge and understanding required for the linear exam; as well as developing practical coding skills in preparation for, and completion of, the programming project. As the course is viewed as a science qualification it will also count as a subject that will contribute to the EBAC within the science bucket.

Unit Overviews:

Computer Systems

Computational Thinking, Programming & Algorithms  Algorithms  Programming Techniques  Producing Robust Programmes  Computational Logic  Translators and Facilities of languages  Data Representation

Programming Project

 Systems Architecture  Memory  Storage

 Programming Techniques  Analysis  Design  Development  Testing and Evaluation, and Conclusions

 Wired and Wireless Networks  Network Topology, Protocols and Layers  System Security  System Software  Ethical, Legal, Cultural and Environmental Concerns

Expectations: Students should be open to the idea of theory based study involving book work and the development of deeper knowledge and understanding of topics. Students will develop their ability to answer exam based questions in written form alongside their practical use of computers. Regular formal assessment will be used to encourage the recall and retention of key information as it is learnt as well as the development of logic based approaches to answering computational problems. Students will be expected to have a strong independent desire to code and develop programming skills outside of lessons, as well as regular completion of homework and revision for short, medium and long term assessments and tests. It will be strongly encouraged that students taking this course attend a weekly extra-curricular programming club to embed skills from lessons, this allows for students to take the course without the necessity to own a computer at home. Computer Science has been an on-going development promoted with leading industry experts and the government. The qualification is regarded as a high value science subject and counts towards the Ebac. Qualification that many post 16 providers will see as beneficial in accessing further and higher education courses. The course would be well suited to students with an interest in Computer Programming, Engineering, Games Designers, App Developers, Military and Public Services; as well as any career that values logical thinkers and problem solving. Career Opportunities: