About the course
Our GCSE in Computer Science is engaging and practical, encouraging creativity and problem solving. It encourages students to develop their understanding and application of the core concepts in computer science. Students also analyse problems in computational terms and devise creative solutions by designing, writing, testing and evaluating programs.
Entry requirements
To complete the full 2 year GCSE programme, students will need to apply at the age of 14 (yr 10 equivalent).
Qualifications
Year 1 - Progression to Computer Science
Year 2 - GCSE Computer Science
What you'll learn (core modules)
Component 01: Computer systems
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 02: Computational thinking, algorithms and programming
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).
How will I be assessed?
Two 90 minute papers on:
Computer systems (01) and Computational thinking, algorithms and programming (02)Where is the course delivered? (facilities/classrooms)
Bury St Edmunds
How much will it cost?
This course is funded for electively home educated students.
I'm interested. What should I do now?
Visit one of our virtual open events and apply online.
Days & times
Date(s) to be confirmed