Computer Science

Course summary

Exam board – OCR, Specification H446 Minimum requirements for the course: Grade 6 in Computer Science, plus Grade 6 in at least two Sciences and Grade 6 in Mathematics. Staff Contacts: Mr Magagula, pma@cheneyschool.org What is Computer Science all about? This qualification helps students understand the core principles of computer science. Classroom learning is transferred into creating real-world systems through the creation of an independent programming project. The course will develop students’ technical understanding and their ability to analyse and solve problems using computational thinking concepts. We aim to give our students the broadest possible understanding and experience of computing in all its contexts. Course structure: Component 1: Computer Systems (40%) Component 2: Algorithms and Programming (40%) Component 3: Programming Project (20%) In the Component 3, students have an opportunity to design and create a substantial piece of software using modern methodologies such as RAD, Prototyping and other agile techniques. Students demonstrate their ability to analyse, design, develop, test, evaluate and document a program written in a suitable programming language. 2 x written exams (each worth 40% of the overall grade) plus project (20%). Complementary courses: Mathematics, Sciences, Business, Product Design (DT) (or any problem solving course). Leads to: A computing-related degree (Software Engineering, Network Engineering, Web Development & Database Administration, etc ); employment (in Cyber Security, Games Development, commercial applications development); L4 Apprenticeship. What students say: ‘... we are taught concepts that allow us to solve real world problems, and the lessons are fun!” Resources: https://youtube.com/c/craigndave; https://cs50.harvard.edu/college/2021/fall/; https://isaaccomputerscience.org/topics/a_level?examBoard=all&stage=all#all.