Computer Science

In today’s technology-driven world, the demand for skilled computer scientists continues to grow across various industries. Whether it’s finance, health, the creative industries or sport, the study of computer science helps build the technology that fuels future innovation.
It opens doors to high-growth sectors such as cybersecurity, data science, and machine learning, and the skills you’ll learn make you well-suited for roles in finance, healthcare, entertainment, and beyond. With the potential to shape the future of technology, studying computer science puts you in the middle of an ever-expanding field, ensuring exciting future career growth.

GCSE – OCR Computer Science

AIMS:
Students should be able 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.

THIS COURSE IS SUITABLE IF:

You would like to develop computational thinking, programming, and problem-solving skills. These skills that are extremely attractive in the modern workplace as they empower you to solve complex, challenging problems, enabling you to make a positive difference in the world. Computing skills are essential in a wide range of professions, from astronomy to financial analysis – not just in IT related jobs!

WHAT WILL I STUDY?

Unit 1: Computer systems

• Systems Architecture
  • Memory and storage
  • Computer networks, connections and protocols
  • Network security
  • Systems software
  • Ethical, legal, cultural and environmental impacts of digital technology

Unit 2: Computational thinking, algorithms and programming

• Algorithms
  • Programming fundamentals
  • Producing robust programs
  • Boolean logic
  • Programming languages and Integrated Development Environments

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?

Computer systems unit 1
1 hour and 30 minutes, 80 marks – 50%
Computational thinking, algorithms and programming unit 2
1 hour and 30 minutes, 80 marks – 50%

WHAT SKILLS WILL I GAIN STUDYING THIS SUBJECT?

• programming skills that are extremely attractive in the computing/IT industry and in the modern workplace
• a deep understanding of computational thinking and how to apply it through a chosen programming language.
• efficient decision making and problem-solving skills to ensure successful solutions to problems.
• project-based skills. You will undertake a programming task(s), which will develop analysis, design, implementation, testing and evaluative skills.
• self-management, set personal learning goals and targets to meet deadlines and effectively managing time.

PROGRESSION ROUTES AFTER THIS COURSE:

• A-Level Computing or Digital Technology
• Computing Degrees
• Career in: Engineering/Games Development/Programming/Systems Analyst and Software Engineering
• Skills learnt are transferable to most jobs.

WHERE CAN I FIND OUT MORE?
https://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/gcse/computer-science-j277-from-2020/

 

GCE – WJEC Computer Science

What will I study?

Computers are widely used in all aspects of business, industry, government, education, leisure and the home. In this increasingly technological age, a study of computer science, and particularly how computers are used in the solution of a variety of problems.

Computer science demands both logical discipline and imaginative creativity in the selection and design of algorithms and the writing, testing and debugging of programs; it relies on an understanding of the rules of language at a fundamental level; it encourages an awareness of the management and organisation of computer systems; it extends the learners’ horizons beyond the school or college environment in the appreciation of the effects of computer science on society and individuals.

AS Course structure

Unit 1: Fundamentals of Computer Science
25% of qualification (62.5% of AS qualification)  

Unit 2: Practical Programming to Solve Problems
15% of qualification (37.5% of AS qualification)

 A Level (the above plus a further 3 units)

Unit 3: Programming and System Development
20% of qualification

Unit 4: Computer Architecture, Data, Communication and Applications
20% of qualification

Unit 5: Programmed Solution to a Problem  Non-exam assessment
20% of qualification

Entry Requirements:
GCSE Computer Science desirable and obtained at least a grade B in Math’s GCSE. Experience in textual programming e.g python, VB, C, Java

Future Study
Computer Science is regarded as a very useful qualification to support your entrance onto any degree programme or higher education course. Courses that relate specifically to the skills acquired on this course would include among others include; Computer Science, Game Development, Multimedia, Software Engineering, Computer Networking, and Web Technology. It can also lead to career opportunities within a wide variety of Information Communication Technology fields including networking, applications and systems analysis.

This course will be the best preparation for students who want to go on to study Computer Science at a higher level and will also provide a good grounding for other subject areas that require computational thinking and analytical skills.

Computer Science gives students a real, in-depth understanding of computer technology works. It offers them an insight into what goes on ‘behind the scenes’, including computer programming, which many students find absorbing. Computer Science is a discipline, like Maths, Physics, or History. It has a body of knowledge, established techniques, and thinking skills, that will last students a lifetime. The core skill-set of Computer Science is independent of new technologies and programming techniques.

Extra-Curricular Opportunities and Support
You will have access to a range of resources on the school network and VLE to support your studies. Computer access will be given throughout the year for after school study.

We will be involved in several enrichment activities.

You will have access to enhanced careers information in this rapidly growing area and several local IT companies such as AllState are interesting in recruitment students with A-level Computer Science even before University.

If I have any further questions about this course, who do I speak to?
HOD Computer Science – Mr McGuire
https://www.wjec.co.uk/qualifications/computer-science-asa-level/#tab_keydocuments

Quick Contact Details

Mr J McGuire

[email protected]