Computer Science

Taught at The Westwood Academy & Kenilworth School & Sixth Form

Exam Board: OCR

Assessment Method: 80% Examination / 20% Programming Project

Why Should I Follow This Course?

Most aspects of a modern society rely on computer science and computer scientists. Computer scientists are logical thinkers, problem solvers and creatives. They are both highly employable and technically skilled. Whilst not everyone who studies computer science might want to peruse a profession in this area, the skills gained are transferable and respected in most sectors.

What Will I Learn?

The theoretical content is split across two papers (both worth 40%), the first focuses on computer systems. Topics include: • The characteristics of contemporary processors, input, output and storage devices • Software and software development • Exchanging data • Data types, data structures and algorithms • Legal, moral, cultural and ethical issues The second paper requires students to write programmes and algorithms. Topics include: • Elements of computational thinking • Problem solving and programming • Algorithms to solve problems and standard algorithms You will also complete a programming project; this project can be as creative as you’d like and be written in a programming language of your choice.

Where Will This Qualification Take Me?

The computational thinking skills that you develop in computer science can be applied to a variety of settings. Students can go on to work in a related industry, continue their computer science studies at university or apply their skills to a seemingly unrelated area.

Entry Requirements:

GCSE Computer Science Grade 6