30.11.-1
Computing
This GCSE option follows the AQA Computer Science Specification 8520. This new and exciting specification (teaching from 2016) now has two final exam units and a much reduced coursework unit.
Paper one tests students on Computation thinking and problem solving, this is effectively the testing of student’s ability to read and interpret algorithms.
Paper 2 is the more traditional test on Computer Science theory consisting of binary, hardware, how components work, data representation and compression etc.
NEA (Non-Examined Assessment): In year 11 students will complete a fixed 20 hour programming assignment set by the exam board. This unit is worth 20% of the final grade and completed over a series of lessons in the classroom under exam control.
Year 10
Students will start immediately in term 1 learning to program in Python and will gain the basics in programming techniques and structuring their code. They will re-use their programming skills and problem solving throughout the year applying them to the various topic areas.
- Basic Programming Techniques – Introduction to Python programming.
- Hardware fundamentals
- Binary and Boolean logic.
- Data representation.
- Python programming
- Standard Algorithms.
- Errors and testing.
Year 11
Term 1
The start of the year will consist of reviewing programming skills and completing a practise assessment. Students will then complete a 20 hour controlled assessment set by the exam board. This will be done in the classroom in normal lessons but under controlled conditions.
Formal AQA Controlled Assessment – 20 hours.
Term 2
- Data compression.
- Cyber Security.
- Computer Systems.
Term 3
Revision and practise for final exams.
Final GCSE Exams.
Paper 1: Computational thinking and problem solving
Paper 2: Computer Science Theory
Dates: June to be confirmed
