Computing and ICT

All students going into Year 10 are able to take GCSE Computing as an option. It is a linear course which means both exams will be taken at the end of the two year course with the controlled assessment only becoming available in the September of the final year. From 2020, there will be no course work element and the course will be 100% exam.

Course overview

At the end of each module, students are tested and further support given where necessary.

Autumn 1

  • Systems architecture
  • Translators and Facilities of Language
  • Memory
  • Computational Logic
  • Introduction to Python
  • Algorithms

Autumn 2

  • Algorithms
  • Producing Robust programs
  • Programming techniques
  • Storage
  • System software
  • Wired and wireless networks

Spring 1

  • Wired and wireless networks
  • Programming development/practice
  • Practice Process for Success 

Spring 2

  • Formal coding assessment
  • Using the process for success

Summer 1

  • Network Topologies, Protocols & Layers Programming Development
  • Data Representation Programming Development

Summer 2

  • NEA Hours 0 to 20

 

Examinations 

Students in Year 10 will undertake a sample non-exam assessment to prepare them for the real assessment in Year 11. They will be given a scenario that they will analyse and then produce a coded solution for. This will be taken under strict controlled assessment conditions in order for the students to become aware of the process.

1. Examinations: Paper 1: Computer Systems (50%) – 1 Hour 30 Mins

2. Examinations: Paper 2: Computational thinking, algorithms & Programming (50%) – 1 Hour 30 Mins

3. Controlled Assessment: Programming Project NEA (Non Examined Assessment) 

 

Useful Links:

http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/gcse-computer-science-j276-from-2016/

Useful web pages: Teach ICT http://www.teach-ict.com/index.html  (all students receive username and password for this resource)

BBC Bitesize https://www.bbc.co.uk/education/subjects/z34k7ty

Cambridge GCSE Computing https://www.cambridgegcsecomputing.org/  (free resource from the exam board)

Craigndave: http://student.craigndave.org/gcse-videos  (videos and pod casts for most topics)