GCSE Computer Science
Computer Science underpins so much of our everyday life and routines - everything from the obvious technology items (phones, laptops, tablets) through to the less-obvious things (bank cards, weather forecasts, bar and QR codes) depend upon this subject.
In GCSE Computer Science, students study 6 topic areas as follows:
- Topic 1 - Computational Thinking (e.g. How do we solve problems with computers?)
- Topic 2 - Data (e.g. Binary, Text, Images, Sound)
- Topic 3 - Computers (e.g. Hardware, Software)
- Topic 4 - Networks (e.g. LANs, WANs, the Internet)
- Topic 5 - Issues and Impact (e.g. Network Security, AI, Environmental Issues)
- Topic 6 - Programming (in Python)
Topics 1 - 5 are assessed in a paper-based exam and Topic 6 is assessed through an on-screen programming exam. Throughout the course, students are prepared for the on-screen exam by doing a wide variety of programming tasks and exam-type problems. They are also provided with a booklet of key Python commands to use during the exam, allowing the focus to be on problem-solving rather than remembering code and syntax.
This course is excellent for students who have an interest in working out solutions to problems, learning how things work at a deeper level and want to be a part of the development of the technology of the future.
Method of Assessment
Exam Board: Edexcel
Subject Code: 1CP2 (2020 Spec)
2 Exams:
Paper 1 - Principles of Computer Science (50%, paper exam)
Paper 2 - Application of Computational Thinking (50%, on-screen exam)
BTEC Digital Information Technology
IT plays such a significant part in our everyday lives and is such a core part of many career paths - this course is for those students who are not studying a language to develop the core skills in this discipline to support their future progression plans. It is equivalent to a GCSE but graded on a BTEC scale.
In BTEC Digital Information Technology, students take 3 components as follows:
Component 1 - Exploring User Interface Design Principles and Project Planning Techniques
Students examine the design behind different applications, from layout and emphasis through to accessibility requirements. They then look at how they can plan projects through techniques such as Gantt charts. The assignment for this component requires students to use Word to plan their projects and PowerPoint to create a prototype of a user interface.
Component 2 - Collecting, Presenting and Interpreting Data
Students examine how data is collected and used by organisations, touching on the threats to individuals and their privacy from this. They then look at dashboards as a means of presenting data using techniques such as conditional formatting, graphs, charts and sparklines. The assignment for this component requires students to use Word to write 2 reports on suitable data collection methods and trends and patterns from a dashboard in context and Excel to produce an analysis and dashboard on some given data.
Component 3 - Effective Digital Working Practices
Students look at the ways modern technology is used in businesses including cloud technologies, communication tools, cyber-security and data protection. All of these things are key to success in modern career paths. This knowledge is assessed through an external exam.
This course is excellent for students to get a grounding in a number of both knowledge-based and practical IT concepts to set them up for success in their future.
Method of Assessment
Exam Board: Pearson
Subject: BTEC Tech Award Level 1/2 in Digital Information Technology
3 Components:
- Component 1 - Internal Assignment set by Exam Board (30%)
Typically completed in Spring of Year 10
- Component 2 - Internal Assignment set by Exam Board (30%)
Typically completed in Autumn of Year 11
- Component 3 - External Exam (40%)
Typically taken in Summer of Year 11