Contact: Mr B Gorman

Email: bgorman@boteler.org.uk

Qualification Details

AQA GCSE Computer Science

What you will study:

In Computer Science you learn about how computers work and develop computer programming and problem solving skills. You will learn to program through practical experience of solving problems, including designing, writing and debugging programs. You will gain an in-depth understanding of how computer technology works studying topics such as:

• Algorithms: understanding how computers solve problems.
• Programming: learning to code in Python.
• Cyber security: learning about threats and how to protect against them.
• Data representation: how text, images and sounds are stored on a computer, how computers use binary numbers.
• Computer networks: types of computer network, how they work and are kept secure.
• Computer systems: hardware, software and how the parts of a computer work together.
• Databases and SQL: how databases work and how to manipulate them through code.
• Ethical, legal and environmental impacts: how digital technologies can affect people’s lives.

How you will be assessed:

Two exams sat at the end of year 11.

Paper 1 Computational thinking and programming skills, 50% of grade, 2 hours. Assesses practical problem solving and programming skills.

Paper 2 Computing concepts, 50% of grade, 1 hour 45 minutes. Assesses theory knowledge such as networking, cyber security and data representation.

Potential Post-16 progression:

• AS/A2 Computing (Priestley College)
• HNC/HND Computer and Systems Development in Game Develop (Warrington Collegiate)

Potential Careers/Higher Education progression:

• Degrees in Computer Science (BSc)
• Careers in Computer Game Development and Systems Analysts
• Careers available in App and web development