KS4 GCSE Computer Science

WHO’S WHO?

Progress Leader: Mr R Birchall

COURSE INFORMATION

GCSE Computer Science follows the processes practiced and discovered key skills in KS3 Computing. Students. Students will develop their understanding of Cyber Security, Networks, Programming, Binary, Logic and Legislation linked to Computer Science through varied study techniques that utilise a range of online materials and resources with the aim of honing critical thinking skills.

GCSE Computer Science consists of two elements with Paper 1 focusing on Computer Systems and Paper 2 focusing on Computational thinking, algorithms and programming.

COURSE SPECIFICATION

Students follow the OCR Computer Science specification. Click here to view the specification.

COURSE CONTENT

Students learn how 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.

Practical Programming

All students must be given the opportunity to undertake a programming task(s), either to a specification or to solve a problem (or problems), during their course of study. Students may draw on some of the content in both components when engaged in Practical Programming.

COURSE ASSESSMENT

Paper 1: 50% written exam - Computer Systems. All questions are mandatory and consists of multiple choice questions, short response questions and extended response questions.

Paper 2: 50% written exam - Computational thinking, algorithms and programming. This paper has a Section A and Section B. Students must answer both sections. All questions are mandatory.

Assessment objectives (AOs) are set by Ofqual and are the same across all GCSE Computer Science specifications and all exam boards. The exams will measure how students have achieved the following assessment objectives.

AO1: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the key concepts and principles of Computer

Science.

AO2: Apply knowledge and understanding of key concepts and principles of Computer Science.

AO3: Analyse problems in computational terms: to make reasoned judgements; and to design, program, evaluate and refine solutions.

YEAR 10

TERM	UNIT OF STUDY	KEY SKILLS / LEARNING
Autumn	Systems Architecture 2.2 Programming Techniques Memory & Storage	Students learn about the structure of a CPU and how instructions are executed, CPU performance and embedded systems. Students will recap programming techniques from KS3 and develop their skills further by applying a variety of techniques that make programs more complex. Students learn about different kinds of memory within a computer system and the function they serve. Primary and secondary storage are the focus. Students will recap how binary is used to store data and represent numbers, characters, images and sounds in a computer system.
Spring	Computer Networks Network Security 2.2 Programming Techniques	Students learn about the structure of networks and how data is transmitted across them. Students examine the way that networks are protected with a focus on potential threats and prevention measures that could be applied. Students examine more complex programming techniques including the use of selection, libraries, lists and external files.
Summer	2.1 Algorithm Y10 Mock Exam 1 2.2 Programming Techniques & 2.3 Robust Programming	Students look at the way that sorting and searching algorithms function. How computational thinking impacts on the design of computer systems and apply different design techniques including Pseudocode, Flowcharts and OCR Reference Language. Students complete their first set of mock exams in Year 10 with redrafting sessions. Students will complete a programming project through a link with the STEM Ambassadors programme. The project will be externally set and run through the summer holiday and into the Autumn term in Y11

YEAR 11

TERM	UNIT OF STUDY	KEY SKILLS / LEARNING
Autumn	Programming Techniques & 2.3 Robust Programming 1.5 System Software 2.4 Computational Thinking Ethical, legal, cultural and environmental impact Y11 Mock Exam 1 Paper 2 Exam Technique	Students complete the programming project and reflect on feedback from external assessor. Students look at the roles that Operating systems and Utility software play in a computer systems. Students examine computational logic in more detail with a focus on Boolean logic including logic diagrams, truth tables and logic statements. Students examine the impacts of digital technology on wider society and legislation that governs its’ use. Students complete their first set of mock exams in Year 11 with redrafting sessions. Students will review a variety of exam questions to gain a thorough understanding of how questions are written, how to break the answers down into smaller chunks, the importance of the command words and marks and how to structure a model answer for clarity.
Spring	Paper 1 Exam Technique Y11 Mock Exam 2 Personalised Exam Preparation	Students will review a variety of exam questions to gain a thorough understanding of how questions are written, how to break the answers down into smaller chunks, the importance of the command words and marks and how to structure a model answer for clarity. Students complete their second set of mock exams in Year 11 with redrafting sessions. The focus of the personalised preparation is derived from these mock exams. Individual questions will be personalised for students to target their own areas of development using the OCR Exam Builder tool. Mark schemes will be examined to ensure students are fully aware of what is required to achieve the highest mark bands within questions.
Summer	Personalised Exam Preparation	Individual questions will be personalised for students to target their own areas of development using the OCR Exam Builder tool. Mark schemes will be examined to ensure students are fully aware of what is required to achieve the highest mark bands within questions.

ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITIES

School is currently investigating links with Industry that would see specialists from Game Design, Programming and System Architects provide meaningful projects for students to complete in order to gain experience of what is required to operate within this field.

A LEVEL/BTEC REQUIREMENTS:

Students are usually required to have a 9 - 6 in Maths at GCSE to enter AS/A2. It is not essential to have done computer science at GCSE, though it is advisable to have done some practice of programming in your own time.

A Level Courses: A2 Computer Science

BTEC Courses include: Level 3 Extended Diploma in Computer Science

HOW TO SUPPORT YOUR CHILD'S LEARNING

Ask them what they think about Computing related items? Why was the device/app created? What purpose does it serve? What new technology is being talked about?

Encourage them to follow official profiles of famous people related to Computing on social media (Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerburg).

WHERE TO GO:

Visit Bletchley Park in Milton Keynes or Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester.

WHAT TO WATCH:

Computing documentaries – The Social Dilemma, The Secret Rules of Modern Living: Algorithms, The Code, We Are Legion: The Story of the Hacktivists

Films/TV Series about technological breakthroughs

Wall-E, Wreck It Ralph, Ralph Breaks the Internet, Tron, Tron Legacy, Iron Man, The Martian, The Matrix, The Social Network, iRobot, Minority Report, Ex Machina.

WHAT TO READ:

Biographies about Alan Turing, Elon Musk, Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, Ava Lovelace, Charles Babbage, Mark Zuckerberg

Any books that explore the way that Computers have impacted on society.

ONLINE:

BBC Bitesize – Course content specifically for the OCR 9-1 course (https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/examspecs/zmtchbk)

Seneca Learning – students will be added to appropriate courses that are used to develop and check understanding (https://senecalearning.com/en-GB/)

YouTube - playlists of relevant topics will be shared with students

SoloLearn – free online programming courses (https://www.sololearn.com/)

StackOverflow – excellent forum for programming related queries and coding solutions (https://stackoverflow.com/)

FUTURE CAREERS:

Programmers work in many settings, including corporate information technology ("IT") departments, big software companies, small service firms and government entities of all sizes. Many professional programmers also work for consulting companies at client sites as contractors.

Systems architects are hired by all types of companies, since any company that relies on its own computer network needs someone to ensure infrastructure is properly designed. Companies also need systems architects on staff to make ongoing improvements and troubleshoot problems.

Cyber security careers are complex and many roles like:

Security specialist - An entry-level role with huge potential.

Security administrator -Keep security systems running smoothly every day.

Cryptographer -Write the code that hackers can’t crack.

Security architect -Outsmart online criminals by designing tough-to-crack security.

Forensic expert -Protect the cyber world and assist law enforcement.

Penetration tester -Hack and protect computer systems for good reasons.