KS4 Computer Science

AQA | Computer Science and IT | GCSE | Computer Science

GCSE Computer Science is an academically challenging course which suits students who enjoy science and have good mathematical ability.

Students completing this course will be equipped with the logical and computational skills necessary to succeed at A Level (or equivalent), the workplace or beyond. This is a course that has real relevance in our modern world.

While students will no doubt already have some knowledge of computers and related areas, the course will give them an in-depth understanding of how computer technology works and a look at what goes on ‘behind the scenes’.

As part of this, they will investigate computer programming, which many students find interesting. Through this study of computer programming, the course will help students develop critical thinking, analysis and problem-solving skills.

For many, it will be a fun and interesting way to develop these skills, which can be transferred to other subjects and even applied in day-to-day life. In this way, the course will stimulate interest and engagement with technology and technology-related careers.

Assessment:

Paper 1 – Written assessment focusing on computational thinking and problem solving including the following themes:

• Fundamentals of algorithms
• Programming (programming (Python) and theoretical knowledge).

(Comprises a 2 hour written exam, 50% of total marks)

Paper 2 – Written assessment including the following topics:

• Fundamentals of data representation
• Computer systems
• Fundamentals of computer networks
• Cyber security
• Relational databases and structured query language (SQL)
• Ethical, legal and environmental impacts of digital technology on wider society,

• (Comprises a 1 hour 45 minute written exam, 50% of total marks)

+ Non-examined assessment (NEA) – development and documentation of scenario-based programs covering the full life cycle of software development. (Completion required to attain the qualification). These projects build and reinforce skills and knowledge to support Paper 1.

Computer Science Curriculum Map KS4