30 Shiphay Lane, Torquay TQ2 7DY
E: admin@tggsacademy.org
T: 01803 613215
Y7-11 Absence Line: 01803 653 750
30 Shiphay Lane, Torquay TQ2 7DY
E: admin@tggsacademy.org T: 01803 613215
Y7-11 Absence Line: 01803 653 750
KS4 Computer Science
KS4 Overview
At key stage 4, the students have the opportunity to study GCSE Computer Science (Eduqas) specification which encourages them to explore how computers work and communicate in a variety of contexts. There is ample opportunity for them to apply and consolidate their knowledge of computer programming by carrying out practical tasks that will develop their capacity for imaginative, innovative thinking, creativity and independence. They will develop the skills of design and evaluation, and they will test and problem-solve when errors occur in both their own systems and those of others.
A course in Computer Science offers our students a unique opportunity to gain an understanding of how computers work and to create and troubleshoot computer programs for real-life purposes relating to their own personal interests. Computer Science develops valuable programming and computational thinking skills, which are increasingly relevant to a wide variety of jobs. Employers want workers with an understanding of rigorous principles that can be applied to changing technologies.
Students will study the Eduqas GCSE course in Computer Science. The course has been subdivided into 14 themes taught over the two years
GCSE Computer Science
- Computer Hardware - Components in computer systems
- Logical Operations - Truth-tables and logic gates
- Communications - Computer networks
- Organisation and Structure of Data - Data representation systems
- Operating Systems - Computer software
- Principles of Programming - Basics of good programming
- Software Engineering - Software development environment
- Program Construction - Assembly language
- Security and Data Management - Network security & policies
- Ethical, Legal and Environmental Impacts - Ethical use of IT systems
A. Problem Solving - Computational thinking
B. Algorithms - Programming constructs
C. Python (Basics) - Developing Python Coding
D. Python (Advanced) - Preparing for Paper 2 examination
Building on KS2 and preparing for KS4…
The programme of study at KS4 is designed to support students in becoming competent, confident and discriminating users of computers, enabling them to express their problem-solving skills and their creative thinking skills with confidence.
It builds on the practical programming skills taught at KS3 and also expands and evolves the theory components of the units of worked studied.
KS4 Assessment
A mixture of both formative and summative assessment is used to assess the subject.
A range of Formative Assessment Techniques are used which include:
- Retrieval practice;
- Show me;
- Active observation.
At KS4, Computer Science is assessed on work produced at GCSE level graded from 1-9, with 9 being the highest grade. This is done through the use of Assessment Books, after each topic, linked to the examination texts and skills developed through the course. Verbal feedback is given during lessons and written feedback is given after each assessment. Students are given time develop their knowledge and skills in response to this feedback.
Summative assessments use past-paper examination questions that are linked to the units of work that the students’ study in the individually designed Computer Science Themes as detailed in the content.
KS4 Content
|
Y10 Content Autumn |
|
|
Y10 Content Spring |
|
|
Y10 Content Summer |
|
|
Y11 Content Autumn |
|
|
Y11 Content Spring |
Revision of Theory Components of the course
|
|
Y11 Content Summer |
Revision of Theory Components of the course
|
|
Exam Board and website link |
Exam Board: Eduqas https://www.eduqas.co.uk/qualifications/computer-science-gcse/#tab_overview. |
|
Details of external assessment (How exams are broken down (topics skills assessed), NEA etc. length of papers and % weighting for each |
Assessment: There are two examinations:
Paper 1: Understanding Computer Science Written Examination: 1¾ hours 50% of the qualification
This component investigates hardware, logical operations, communication, data representation and data types, operating systems, principles of programming, software engineering, program construction, security, authentication and data management and the impacts of digital technology on wider society as well as algorithms and programming constructs.
Paper 2: Computer Programming On-screen examination: 2 hours 50% of the qualification
This component investigates problem solving, programming languages, data structures and data types, program design, implementation, and testing. Learners are required to produce a programmed solution to a set task which will then be the basis for examination.
|
Useful links & resources for KS3:
BBC Bitesize GCSE Computer Science (Eduqas) - https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/examspecs/znywvk7
GCSE Computer Science knowledge organisers -
https://resources.eduqas.co.uk/Pages/ResourceSingle.aspx?rIid=1484
Isaac Computer Science - https://isaaccomputerscience.org/topics/gcse?examBoard=eduqas&stage=gcse#eduqas
Python on-line compilers:
https://www.onlinegdb.com/online_python_compiler
https://www.online-python.com/
https://replit.com/languages/python3
Python on-line tutorials here:
https://www.codecademy.com/catalog/language/python
BAFTA Young Game Designers Competition:
British Informatics Olympiad:
https://www.olympiad.org.uk/
Bebras Challange
The textbooks used are:
“My Revision Notes: WJEC and Eduqas GCSE Computer Science” by Robert Wicks and Ian Paget
“GCSE 9-1 Computer Science Revision Guide” by Letts GCSE
GCSE 9-1 Computer Science Revision Guide: Amazon.co.uk: Letts GCSE: 9780008162047: Books
“A/AS Level Computer Science for WJEC/Eduqas Student Book (A Level Comp 2 Computer Science WJEC/Eduqas)” by Mark Thomas, Alistair Surrall, et al.
“Python Programming Guide for GCSE Computer Science (includes Online Edition & Python Files) (CGP GCSE Computer Science 9-1 Revision)” by CGP Books
“Learning to Program in Python Crash Course in Coding for Python 3.x Beginners Guide in Programming with Examples and Challenges” by PM Heathcote and PG Online
“Python Challenge- Learn to program fast in 155 challenges, 54 examples and 85 pages” by PG Online
