We believe that a better understanding of more advanced computing skills enables students to become confident innovators and leaders in the complex digital world around them. Our course at Upper School allows our students to develop key ICT, programming and Digital Technology skills as well as develop logical and computational thinking and problem solving.
We are also delighted to have the Computer Science department supported by our own website. This covers key points of the Upper School course with assessment information, lesson objectives and further supporting information to enable to the students to have key information available first hand.
This is available at http://www.mrcottle.co.uk
Course Content
Students at GCSE Computer Science follow the OCR curriculum, taught across 5 hours per fortnight and covering the following topics:
Computer Systems
- Systems Architecture
- Memory
- Storage
- Wired and wireless networks
- Network topologies, protocols and layers
- System security
- System software
Ethical, legal, cultural and environmental concerns
Computational thinking, algorithms and programming
- Algorithms
- Programming techniques
- Producing robust programs
- Computational logic
- Translators and facilities of languages
- Data representation
Programming Project
- Programming techniques
- Analysis
- Design
- Development
- Testing and evaluation and conclusions
Subject Specific Skills
In Upper School Computer Science, students are expected to demonstrate a range of key ICT, programming and digital technology skills as well as develop logical and computational thinking and problem solving skills. These are further learnt and developed through our curriculum and enrichment opportunities such as Ignite Days. Computing skills are central to the development of other subjects such as Design and Technology, Music and Media Studies.
Computer Science Resources
- http://www.ocr.org.uk/Images/225975-specification-accredited-gcse-computer-science-j276.pdf
- http://www.mrcottle.co.uk
Assessment in GCSE Computer Science
Assessment in Computer Science is by 80% Exam and 20% NEA, all completed in year 11. There are two 1.5 hour written exams worth 40% each.
On-going assessments of the modules studied take place on a termly basis – for further information please see the Content and Assessment Overview at Upper above.
Marking of Students Work and Feedback
Student books are taken in by the class teacher at least three times per term (based on a standard 6-week term).
Staff comments provide guidance on how students can improve their level of understanding. Staff are expected to review all peer assessed and self-assessed work and provide guidance when necessary. Marking guidance is included as part of the tracking sheets in every student folder.
Homework
Computer Science homework is set on a weekly basis and students should expect a mixture of research, exam questions and flipped learning activities. Students will record homework in their planners and teachers will share via SIMS Learning Gateway the details of what has been set and when it is due to be handed in.
Supporting Your Daughter in GCSE Computer Science
There are a number of ways you can support your daughter with her work:
- Always pay a keen interest in what she is doing in her computing lessons, often she will be able to show you what she is working on
- Ask her to explain the most recent topic she has covered in computing to you
- Give a lot of praise and encouragement for the work she does
- Encourage her to read some of the many computing periodicals that are available