Key Stage 4 – Computing
Year 10 (For students who will sit exams in summer 2020 or 2021)
Computer Science
Students studying Computer Science will learn how to create applications that run on mobile devices and operate in a web enabled environment.
In addition they will:
• Learn how to create simple computer games
• Gain an understanding of the fundamental concepts around creating software applications
• Have opportunities to work collaboratively.
There are two elements to the GCSE:
Controlled Assessment:
Working independently students will complete two tasks from a choice of four. Students will demonstrate their ability to code a solution to a given problem. The tasks will be set in engaging and relevant contexts; for example, gaming, web solutions and mobile phone applications. These tasks will form 60% of the overall grade.
Exam: 1 hour 30 minutes
The exam forms 40% of the overall grade and will cover the computer fundamentals topics – see section above. Questions will be a range of types from very short to extended answer.
In Year 10 pupils will:
Increase their theoretical knowledge of Computer Science by covering topics that include data representation, Algorithms, the systems life cycle, legal and moral aspects of computer science and networks. In the spring term of Year 10, students will complete their first controlled assessment based around using HTML and PHP programming languages to create a web based product.
Year 11 (For students who will sit exams in summer 2020 or 2021)
Computer Science:
Year 11 will start with students preparing for and completing their second controlled assessment. This requires students to use Visual Basic programming language to either create a game or complete a more traditional application.
Upon the completion of the second piece of coursework, students will continue with their theoretical study through Year 11 by looking at topics including databases, hardware and software and a further study of networks.
Links to exam board websites:
AQA GCSE – https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/computer-science-and-it/gcse/computer-science-8525
Links to further independent learning websites:
Hour of Code – https://code.org/learn
Code Academy – http://www.codecademy.com/learn
BBCS Bitesize Computer Science – http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/subjects/z34k7ty
Logic Puzzles (to develop logical thinking) – http://www.logic-puzzles.org/
Programming Languages
Small Basic Download – http://smallbasic.com/
Visual Basic Download – http://microsoft-visual-basic.en.softonic.com/download
Controlled Assessment:
Working independently students will complete two tasks from a choice of four. Students will demonstrate their ability to code a solution to a given problem. The tasks will be set in engaging and relevant contexts; for example, gaming, web solutions and mobile phone applications. These tasks will form 60% of the overall grade.
Exam: 1 hour 30 minutes
The exam forms 40% of the overall grade and will cover the computer fundamentals topics – see section above. Questions will be a range of types from very short to extended answer.
NEW GCSE Computer science (for teaching from September 2020 for first exams in summer 2022)
We will be following the new AQA Computer science GCSE. Details of which can be found here at the exam board website: https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/computer-science-and-it/gcse/computer-science-8525
A summary of the course content and examinations is below:
100% of this course is assessed using written examinations in year 11:
If you have any questions about GCSE Computer Science please do not hesitate to contact one of the class teachers; Mrs Lucas, Mr Elward or Mr Stacey-Moore.
