Christian Head, Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria, CA17 4HA

017683 71693

Kirkby Stephen Grammar School

A Co-operative Academy

GCSE Computer Science

GCSE Computer Science (1-9)

Board: OCR

Component 1: Component 01: Computer systems – written 1 hour 30 minute examination (50% of qualification).

Introduces students to the central processing unit (CPU), computer memory and storage, data representation, wired and wireless networks, network topologies, system security and system software. It also looks at ethical, legal, cultural and environmental concerns associated with computer science.

Component 2: Computational thinking, algorithms and programming – written 1 hour 30 minute examination (50% of qualification). 

Students apply knowledge and understanding gained in component 01. They develop skills and understanding in computational thinking: algorithms, programming techniques, producing robust programs, computational logic and translators

Practical programming

Students are to be given the opportunity to undertake a programming task(s) during their course of study which allows them to develop their skills to design, write, test and refine programs using a high-level programming language. Students will be assessed on these skills during the written examinations, in particular component 02 (section B).

Is This Course for You?

This course is designed to give students a real, in-depth understanding of how computer technology works ‘under the bonnet’. Students will develop programming, critical thinking, analysis and problem-solving skills, which provide an excellent preparation for higher study and employment in Computer Science. If you are the kind of person who enjoys ‘thinking outside the box’ in Maths and Science lessons and finding solutions to problems, then this course is for you; you will harness the power of the computer to make complicated tasks simple.

Key Subject Aims:

  • Gives learners a real, in-depth understanding of how computer technology works.
  • Provides excellent preparation for higher study and employment in Computer Science, including programming skills.
  • Develops critical thinking, analysis and problem-solving skills.