This exciting GCSE gives you an excellent opportunity to investigate how computers work and how they’re used, and to develop computer programming and problem-solving skills. You’ll also do some fascinating in-depth research and practical work. For example, some of the current investigations look at JavaScript, encryption and assembly language programming.

Skills you will gain:

• Develop your understanding of current and emerging technologies, understanding of how they work and apply this knowledge and understanding in a range of contexts
• Acquire and apply a knowledge, some technical skills and an understanding of the use of algorithms in computer programs to solve problems using programming
• Acquire and apply creative and technical skills, knowledge and understanding of Computer Science in a range of contexts
• Develop computer programs to solve problems
• Evaluate the effectiveness of computer programs/solutions and the impact of, and issues related to, the use of computer technology in society

The units

Unit 1: Computer systems

This unit will teach you the fundamentals of how computers work and the theory behind a wide range of issues such as hardware and software, the representation of data in computer systems, databases, computer communications and networks. Moreover, the computational thinking behind programming as well as the legal, moral and ethical considerations, such as AI and cyber security.

Unit 2: Computational thinking, algorithms and programming

Learners will be introduced to algorithms and programming, learning about programming techniques, how to produce robust programs, computational logic, translators and facilities of computing languages and data representation. Learners will become familiar with computing related mathematics whilst having the opportunity to use the skills gained to produce their own programs in a variety of computing languages.

Guidance: Due to the high level of Maths involved in this course, only students who are currently in higher Maths sets will be considered.

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