Our world is digital.
An understanding of computer science will enable young people to make informed choices in their digital world.
This is important for all our children, not just those who will become the graphic designers, games programmers or software engineers of the future.
EVERY CHILD has the right to a world-class computing education.
In years 7, 8 and 9 the pupils follow a rich programme of Computer Studies education including…
- Designing Algorithms
- Creating Amazing Digital Content
- Coding puzzles, games, apps, chatbots, "hacking" Minecraft…
Computer Science or IT
Starting in Year 10 the students can choose between:
- OCR Computer Science GCSE
- Cambridge Nationals Certificate in Information Technologies
Your teacher will advise which option is best for you during Year 9.
GCSE Computer Science
OCR Computer Science GCSE is a highly respected qualification that opens the door to further study in 6th form and onwards, in many digital and scientific fields.
We study the OCR course over 2 years, finishing with two 90-minute exams in "Computer Systems" and "Algorithms and programming".
Computer Systems
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Content Overview
- Systems Architecture
- Memory
- Storage
- Wired and wireless networks
- Network topologies, protocols and layers
- System security
- System software
- Ethical, legal, cultural and environmental concerns
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Assessment Overview
(01)
80 marks
1 hour and 30 minutes
Written paper (no calculators allowed)
50% of total GCSE
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Computational thinking, algorithms and programming
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Content Overview
- Algorithms *
- Programming techniques
- Producing robust programs
- Computational logic
- Translators and facilities of languages
- Data representation
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Assessment Overview
(02)
80 marks
1 hour and 30 minutes
Written paper (no calculators allowed)
50% of total GCSE
* Algorithm questions are not exclusive to Component 02 and can be assessed in either component.
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Programming Project
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Content Overview
- Programming techniques
- Analysis
- Design
- Development
- Testing and evaluation and conclusions
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Assessment Overview
20 timetabled hours
Formal requirement
Consolidates the learning across the specification through practical activity.
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Cambridge National in Information Technologies
Cambridge National in Information Technologies improves students knowledge of the digital environment and their confidence with IT.
They learn about data management issues and develop practical skills by planning and creating an integrated technological solution to communicate information.
Certificate in Information Technologies qualification allows our students to achieve their potential and progress to the next stage of their lives, whether it be Further Education, an apprenticeship or employment.
There are 2 unit of assessment- R012 and R013.
Entry code R012 - Understanding tools, techniques, methods and processes for technological solutions
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1 hour 45 minutes written examination
80 marks (120 UMS)
OCR-set and marked
Exam assessment in June 2018 and then every January and June.
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This will directly assess the learning outcomes titled as ‘Understand’:
LO1: Understand the tools and techniques that can be used to initiate and plan solutions
LO3: Understand how data and information can be collected, stored and used
LO4: Understand the factors to be considered when collecting and processing data and storing data/information
LO6: Understand the different methods of processing data and presenting information.
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Entry code R013 - Developing technological solutions
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Approximately 20 hours
80 marks (120 UMS)
An assignment set by OCR, marked by teachers and moderated by OCR
The assignment will include a context and set of tasks
A new assignment will be released each series and published on the OCR website
Assessment series in June 2018 and then in two series each year, January and June.
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This will directly assess the learning outcomes titled as ‘Be able to’:
LO2: To be able to initiate and plan a solution to meet an identified need
LO5: To be able to import and manipulate data to develop a solution to meet an identified need
LO7: To be able to select and present information in the development of the solution to meet an identified need
LO8: To be able to iteratively review and evaluate the development of the solution.
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A-Level Computer Science
Students can remain at WHGS to study Computer Science A-level, where they develop in-depth technical knowledge of computers, and advanced programming skills.
This course opens the door to many exciting and lucrative career opportunities and Higher Education courses in the Digital fields.
View more information on A-Level Computer Science
Racing robot buggies, coding games, writing a text adventure or a chatbot, building an app for your mobile phone, cracking secret codes. Enter National Competitions, earn badges! It all happens at WHGS!
Breaking News!
William Hulme's Grammar School is proud to announce that we have been enrolled in the Cisco Networking Academy, bringing huge opportunities to our students!