GCSE Computing

At KS4 pupils can opt for OCR GCSE Computer Science. This is a 2 year course with exams taken in the summer months of year 11.

There are two components which each have 1.5 hr exam in Yr 11. There is also the opportunity to complete a programming project in class.

We believe that our students should have the opportunity to follow a Computing curriculum that prepares them for life in modern Britain and the wider world.

Computer Science will give our students the opportunity to:

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding and application of the key concepts and principles of Computer Science/IT

  • Understand and fundamental principles and concepts of Computer Science
  • Be able to apply key algorithms and data representation and mathematical skills through practical and theoretical work.
  • Understand the key components that make up digital systems and how they communicate
  • Understand the impacts of digital technology to the individual, wider society, the ethical change s and cultural impacts as well as the positive and negative impacts digital technology has had on the environment
  • To equip learners with a range of creative media skills and provide opportunities to develop, in context, desirable, transferable skills in areas such as research, planning and evaluation

Analyse problems in computational terms:

To make reasoned judgements

To design, program, evaluate and refine solutions.

  • Plan and develop software using the software design life cycle
  • Use a range of software design techniques such as flowcharts, pseudocode and visualisation diagrams
  • Develop key problem solving skills of Abstraction, Decomposition and Algorithmic thinking
  • Develop key skills and practical experience in script based programming languages and be able to design, write and debug programs to solve non simplistic problems.
  • To be able to think creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically when solving problems.
  • Be able to make informed decisions on appropriate and efficient coding techniques such as sequence, selection, iteration and the use of functions
  • To be able to design, Program, evaluate and refine solutions to problems