GCSE Computer Science
GCSE Computer Science is engaging and practical, encouraging creativity and problem solving.
Why do we teach this course?
Computer literacy is an increasingly vital skill that is sought in almost all professions. The ability to code is now in demand for careers from health to engineering. This course helps students to become more fluent and confident using computers, which supports their learning across other subjects, particularly in areas like Computer Aided Design in 3D and Engineering, as well as how to use computers to analyse data and information which is vital for maths, statistics and the sciences.
What will you study?
It encourages students to develop their understanding and application of the core concepts in computer science. Students also analyse problems in computational terms and devise creative solutions by designing, writing, testing and evaluating programs.
They will have the opportunity to define success criteria from a given problem, and then create suitable algorithms to achieve the success criteria. Students then code their solutions in a suitable programming language, and check its functionality using a suitable and documented test plan. Finally they will evaluate the success of their solution and reflect on potential developments for the future.
Future prospects
- Software Engineering
- Electronics Engineering
- Games Designer
Assessment
GCSE Computer Science is now assessed through two written examinations. Each exam is worth 50%. Students will undertake a Programming Project in their final year which supports the development of understanding across the whole specification.
Next steps
AS/A Level Computer Science; Cambridge Technical Award in Digital Media; Cambridge Technical Award in IT or Level 2/L3 apprenticeship.