COMPUTER SCIENCE

KEY STAGE 3

Course Content

At Key Stage 3 Computer Science is delivered as units within a larger curriculum which also covers ICT and Digital Citizenship.

KEY STAGE 4

Exam Board 

OCR GCSE 9-1 Computing (J276)

Two written examinations:

  • Computer Systems (J276/01)
  • Computational Thinking, Algorithms & Programming (J276/02)

Course Content

OCR’s GCSE (9–1) in Computer Science will encourage

Learners to:

  • Understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of Computer Science, including abstraction, decomposition, logic, algorithms, and data representation
  • Analyses problems in computational terms through practical experience of solving such problems, including designing, writing and debugging programs
  • Think creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically
  • Understand the components that make up digital systems, and how they communicate with one another and with other systems
  • Understand the impacts of digital technology to the individual and to wider society
  • Apply mathematical skills relevant to Computer Science

Useful Subject & Revision Websites

Extensive revision materials are provided within faculty through online OneNote Classbooks.

Exam Success

June 2018 series students averaged more than one grade above their target grades with over 90% achieving a 4 or above.

KEY STAGE 5

Exam Board

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Computing

Two written examinations:

  • Unit 1: Principles of Computer Science – (Synoptic) – 2 hours
  • Unit 2: Fundamentals of Computer Systems – 1 Hour 45 mins

Course Content

The objective of this qualification is to provide learners with access to subject knowledge and skills in computer science and computer systems, enabling learners to progress to further study of the sector or other sectors.

Initially, learners study three core units:

  • Unit 1: Principles of Computer Science – (Synoptic)
  • Unit 2: Fundamentals of Computer Systems
  • Unit 7: IT Systems Security and Encryption

The qualification includes a choice of optional units:

  • Unit 14: Games Development.
  • Unit 17: Mobile Apps Development

These units allow progression to a variety of degrees when combined with other suitable Level 3 qualifications.

Useful Subject & Revision Websites

Extensive revision materials are provided within faculty through online OneNote Class books.

Exam Success

June 2018 all students passed the course with 60% attaining Distinction or Distinction Star grades.