Page 6 - GCSE Subjects September 2021

Computer Science Course Specification
AQA GCSE Computer Science – 8525
Course Content and Examinations
GCSE Computer Science is a modern course that focuses on building up computational thinking skills, understanding how the building blocks of a computer system work, considering how data is represented by a computer, looking into how devices can communicate alongside developing the skills necessary to solve problems using a high-level programming language.
To study for this GCSE you must be willing to take on the challenge of learning to program a computer - this is a complex skill that takes time to master both inside and outside of lessons. The rewards of learning to program can allow creating solutions to a wide variety of challenges including those involving sounds, graphics and text. Our main language for the course is Python but the course will also involve looking at SQL (for working with databases), HTML/CSS (for creating web-pages) and working in both Windows and Linux environments.
There are two examinations to be sat at the end of the course.
Each paper is a written paper lasting 1 hour 45 minutes.
Paper 1, worth 50% of the GCSE, covers:
• Problem solving • Algorithms
• Programming
Paper 2, worth 50% of the GCSE, covers:
Computing concepts including:
• Data representation
• How computers work
• Computer networks
• Cyber security
• Databases and SQL
• Ethical and moral impacts of computing on society
Can I study this subject at A Level if I have not studied it a GCSE?
The A Level is available for students who have not taken the GCSE but the programming concepts and skills introduced in the GCSE cover a lot of the first few topics of the A Level. A student who has not taken the GCSE will need to work hard to catch up with those students who have.
Head of Department | Mr M Colliver
m.colliver@warwickschool.org
GCSE Subjects - September 2021
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