Head of Department

Mr J Evason

This course is aimed at students who are logical, like problem solving and have enjoyed using Python at KS3.

This course is assessed over 2 Components: J277/01 and J276/02.

J277/01— Computer Systems — 50%

Assessed by written external exam in Year 11.

In this component you will learn about what a computer system is and how they function, including:

Central Processing Unit (CPU), computer memory, storage of data, networks, topologies, protocols, network and system security and system software. Along with developing an understanding of the impact of Computer Science in a global context, Students will become familiar with computing related mathematics.

J277/02 — Computational thinking, algorithms and programming — 50%

Assessed by written external exam in Year 11.

This component is broken down over two sections: A and B.

Students will develop an understanding of algorithms and programming, learning about programming techniques, how to produce robust programs, computational logic, translators and facilities of computing languages. Section A will focus on theoretical questions from the topics above. Section B will focus on writing and refining algorithms written in either OCR Exam Reference Language or Python.

In class students will further their programming ability using Python 3, creating a wide range of coded solutions to scenario based problems. Additionally, they will learn how to model programs using a language independent notation such as OCR Exam Reference Language.

Finally

Students who enjoy problem-solving or have a desire to know how and why the devices they use function will flourish in this subject. There is a skills shortage in terms of computer literate candidates. Whether it be data analysts, cyber security experts, web developers or designers, software engineers or system administrators.

This course is a gateway to an evolving employment landscape.

Are we going to become less reliant on computers? Why not get ahead!

For more information please see Mr Evason