Page 39 - Options Booklet - March 2022
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Option Subject – GCSE Computer Science


        Course Overview

        The course provides opportunities for you to develop your knowledge and understanding of how
        computers work. You will learn how to write code, design programs and understand the ethical
        and legal impact of digital technology to us as individuals and wider society including ever
        growing cyber security industry. This course is for those who wish to learn how to become
        producers of technology products rather than just consumers. Understanding and applying the
        fundamental principles and concepts of Computer Science including abstraction,
        decomposition, algorithms and data representation.

        All students must be given the opportunity to undertake a programming task or tasks during their
        course of study. We will use the high-level text-based programming language of Python. The
        programming task(s) will allow them to develop skills within the following areas when
        programming:

               •   Design
               •   Write
               •   Test
               •   Refine


        This course can guide many students in careers such as:
        The knowledge and skills you develop will help you to progress onto further study in the Computing
        industry. This may be A Level Computer Science, vocational qualifications including the Level 2 or
        Level 3 OCR Cambridge Technicals in Digital Media and/or Information Technology. Related
        qualifications in software or game development and forensic computing, cyber security and
        much more. qualification It also helps to develop other transferable skills including problem solving
        and analytical skills that will be valuable in other life and work situations. It can lead to careers in
        network management, software architect, data analyst, game developer, forensic analyst and
        more.


        Specification: OCR GCSE Computer Science 9-1 - J277

        Course Code: 601/8355/X



        Exams                Percentage  Comprising of                                           Completed
                             of course
        Paper 1: Computer    50%              Computer Systems                                   Summer Y11
        Systems
                                                 •   Systems architecture
        1 hour 30 mins                           •   Memory and storage
                                                 •   Computer networks, connections and
                                                     protocols
                                                 •   Network security
                                                 •   Systems software
                                                 •   Ethical, legal, cultural and environmental
                                                     impacts of digital technology
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