Computer Science
GCSE
What will I study?
Computer Science is aimed at students who wish to learn how to program computers and work on developing games and apps. Students will use the Python programming language in order to solve a range of problems of increasing difficulty. Furthermore, the topic looks at important areas of the IT industry such as hardware and cyber-security. Ability and interest in mathematics and/or physics would be an advantage.
GCSE Computer Science is split into two units:
Unit 1: Computer Systems
Unit 2: Computational Thinking, Algorithms and Programming.
How will I be assessed?
100% Written Examination and no coursework. Students will undertake a range of programming tasks designed to support their progression and knowledge.
All assessments will be taken at the end of Year 11.
Students taking this qualification will receive a GCSE in Computer Science, awarded by OCR.
Teaching and learning approaches
There are opportunities to discuss, analyse, participate in small collaborative group work, use a range of IT equipment, coding tasks, and use online
materials.
Enrichment opportunities
Students are encouraged to use homework clubs and online coding platforms to support their knowledge.
Homework
A range of smaller tasks, online learning and past exam papers set throughout the year.
The Future
There is a massive skills shortage in IT and students who have programming skills are always in demand by employers. Students from Berwick Academy have been inspired to pursue further study of Computer Science at leading universities including: Newcastle University, Northumbria University, Imperial College, Edinburgh University and York University
