Page 26 - Seaford GCSE Options Booklet

GCSE Computer Science
Computer Science is an intensely creative subject that involves problem-solving and invention. It is a practical subject where students apply the knowledge and skills learned in the classroom to real-world problems.
The course has been designed to boost computing skills relevant to the 21st century and companies like Google, Cisco and Microsoft were involved in its development. With a focus on coding and contemporary issues, such as cybersecurity, the course develops the technical, analytical and problem-solving skills that will be essential for the future workforce.
Course Outline:
This course consists of 3 components as listed below:
1. Computer Systems (40% of course, 1 hour exam)
• Systems architecture
• Memory
• Storage
• Wired and wireless networks
• Networktopologies, protocols and layers
• Networksecurity
• Systemsoftware
• Moral,social,legal, cultural and environmental concerns
2. Computational Thinking, Algorithms and Programming (40% of course, 1 hour exam)
• Translators and facilities of languages
• Algorithms
• High-and low-level programming
• Computational logic • Data representation
3. Programming Project (20% of course, practical assessment)
• Programming techniques
• Design
• Development
• Effectiveness and efficiency
• Technical understanding
• Testing, evaluation and conclusions
Exam Board:
OCR
Head of Department:
Mr D Crook
“The Computer Science GCSE course is interesting and challenging. It aims to develop our problem-solving skills, which I anticipate will be very beneficial in later life.”
Tabitha Hill, Year 11 student
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