Computer Science
Through the development of new applications in science, engineering, and business, Computer Science is radically changing the way in which we experience our world.
Computer Science is one of a variety of options that can be selected at GCSE. It counts as one of the Science options for the English Baccalaureate (Ebacc). GCSE Computer Science is an oversubscribed option that currently runs two classes in Year 10 and Year 11.
The course is separated into two examined core components and one non-examined practical programming element.
Component 01: Computer Systems looks at the theoretical concepts of Computer Science. Students write a 1hr30 exam paper worth 50% of their overall grade.
Component 02: Computational thinking, algorithms and programming looks at the practical elements of the course and will test skills such as computational thinking. Students write a 1hr30 exam papers worth 50% of their overall grade.
Practical Programming looks at developing the actual skills needed in developing a working solution to a computational problem. These skills will be examined in the content of component 2.
Students have 5 lessons a fortnight where they are taught a mix of theory and practical programming. There is regular homework and teaching follows a flip learning approach where students are required to engage with the theoretical concepts before the lesson. This allows students to maximise the learning time within a lesson to work on developing and extending their understanding of the concepts. There is an expectation that all students who take this course are to engage with regular programming activities outside of the classroom.
Students who take this course need to be aware that they are competing with some of the brightest and most able minds in the UK, and as such, we expect students to have a high degree of motivation and commitment.
To support learning we offer lunch time clubs on multiple days of the week where students can get extra help and practise their coding skills.
