KS4 Computing
"Long after today’s pupils leave school and enter the workplace – long after the technologies they used at school are obsolete – the principles learnt in Computer Science will still hold true.” - Michael Gove
A high-quality computing education equips pupils to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world. Computing has deep links with mathematics, science, and design and technology, and provides insights into both natural and artificial systems. The core of computing is computer science, in which pupils are taught the principles of information and computation, how digital systems work, and how to put this knowledge to use through programming. Building on this knowledge and understanding, students are equipped to use information technology to create programs, systems and a range of content. Computing also ensures that pupils become digitally literate – able to use, and express themselves and develop their ideas through, information and communication technology – at a level suitable for the future workplace and as active participants in a digital world.
Students have 3 lessons a week
Exam board: OCR http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/gcse-computing-j275-from-2012
Computing gives students a real, in-depth understanding of how computer technology works. It offers an insight into what goes on ‘behind the scenes’, including computer programming, which many students find absorbing. The course consists of three strands:
Computer systems and programming. This is assessed by a written paper, which has a mixture of short- and long answer questions, some of which require students to write program pseudocode. 40%
Practical investigation. This will be on a topic chosen from a set of options supplied by OCR (controlled assessment). 30%
Programming project. Students create solutions to computing tasks chosen from a set of options supplied by OCR (controlled assessment). 30%
|
Autumn |
Spring |
Summer |
|
|
Year 10 |
Fundamentals of computer systems |
Databases |
Programming |
| Year 11 |
Practical investigation |
Practical investigation/ Programming project |
Programming project and revision for examination |
Outside the classroom
Pupils are encourage to visit:
London's Science Museum new technology gallery: which tells the story of 200 years of communication technology.
Notice board on STEM opportunities in school
Progression pathways and careers
The GCSE qualification opens up a new world of possibilities in regards to both job prospects and future Level 3 qualifications. This course can lead onto traditional A levels and vocational equivalents. It will also equip you with life skills that will stand you in good stead for any future job.
Computing supports a number of further education and career pathways and is very well respected academically and will be a strong support to students intending to study medicine, law, engineering, computing, foreign languages, physical sciences or maths based courses at university. As computing pervades all aspects of study and contemporary research, this course supports a very wide range of career paths at university in addition to those listed above.
Useful links
http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/gcse-computing-j275-from-2012
http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/subjects/z34k7ty
http://www.cambridgegcsecomputing.org/
http://www.teach-ict.com/gcse_computing.html
http://www.gcsecomputing.org.uk/lmc/lmc.html
Contact
Mr Ketan Modasia Head of Computing ModasiaK@hendonschool.co.uk
